Weight loss teas stirred up a lot of controversy on Instagram, as several well-known social media stars began to promote them. But what do insta-famous teas really do to your body?

The good folks at Well + Good break down the common ingredients in these teas—“enna, aloe, dandelion leaf, buckthorn, prunella, burdock, cascara, or rhubarb root”—and observe that they’re laxatives or diuretics. These substances don’t promote real weight loss (losing fat); at most, you might lose water weight.

The even more sinister reality is: “Instagram stars touting the amazing benefits of weight-loss teas probably don’t mention the fact that laxatives are habit-forming, weaken your natural peristalsis over time (so that long-term healthy digestion actually becomes harder to achieve), and come with a bevy of health risks.”

Read the full post here.

If you’re looking for more proven ways to lose weight or stay healthy, consider the following:

1. Try these 3 small strength training changes to build more muscle.
2. Stay hydrated during these hot summer months with these 3 tips.
3. Don’t make salads boring and torturous. Dr. Claudia T. Felty, PhD, RD offers ways to make salads more satisfying.

—Obianuju Enworom