Does Licorice Burn Fat? What the Science Says

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research published in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the compound glycyrrhetinic acid found in licorice has been shown to reduce body fat in test subjects. This finding prompts many to question: does licorice burn fat, and is it a safe and effective weight-loss tool?

Quick Summary

Several studies suggest that certain compounds in licorice, like glycyrrhetinic acid, can potentially reduce body fat by influencing metabolism and hormone regulation. However, results are mixed, and potential side effects like hypertension are a major concern.

Key Points

Limited Evidence: Studies suggest licorice's compounds, like glycyrrhetinic acid, can affect fat metabolism, but the evidence is not conclusive or universal.
High-Dose Risks: The active compound glycyrrhizin in traditional licorice can cause dangerous side effects, including high blood pressure, low potassium, and cardiac issues.
Mechanisms Vary: Proposed mechanisms include inhibiting an enzyme (11β-HSD1) and reducing fat absorption, though results in human trials are inconsistent.
Processed vs. Raw: Many safer products (DGL) have the active glycyrrhizin removed, rendering them ineffective for fat reduction.
Medical Caution: Due to significant risks and potential drug interactions, licorice is not recommended as a safe or effective weight-loss supplement for general use.
Not a 'Fat Burner': Unlike true thermogenic agents, licorice's effect is more nuanced and, given the health risks, should not be relied upon as a fat-burning solution.

Unpacking the Science: How Licorice Affects Fat

The idea that licorice might help with weight loss is based on several scientific mechanisms observed in laboratory and human studies. At the core of this research is glycyrrhetinic acid, a compound derived from the main component of licorice root, glycyrrhizin. This compound is thought to influence fat stores in a couple of key ways.

The Role of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1)

One prominent theory revolves around the inhibition of an enzyme called 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1). This enzyme is active in fat cells and plays a role in regulating the stress hormone cortisol. By inhibiting 11β-HSD1, glycyrrhetinic acid may help reduce fat accumulation. A study published in 2003 provided evidence for this mechanism, with normal-weight subjects consuming 3.5 grams of licorice daily for two months experiencing a reduction in body fat mass. They did not, however, experience a change in body mass index (BMI), which suggests a redistribution of body composition rather than overall weight loss.

Modulation of Lipid Metabolism

Beyond enzyme inhibition, other studies point to licorice's effect on broader metabolic processes. Licorice flavonoid oil (LFO), for example, has been shown to impact lipid metabolism and improve fat accumulation in some instances. Research involving mice fed a high-fat diet found that licorice powder had anti-obesity effects comparable to orlistat, a pancreatic lipase inhibitor. The licorice seemed to work by decreasing the intestinal absorption of dietary fat and increasing fat excretion.

Impact on Appetite and Insulin Sensitivity

In addition to direct fat effects, licorice may indirectly influence weight management through appetite and insulin regulation. Some researchers speculate that licorice's strong taste could decrease food intake, although not all studies support this hypothesis. Furthermore, some clinical trials, particularly those involving women with PCOS, have found that licorice supplementation, combined with a low-calorie diet, led to improvements in obesity indices and insulin sensitivity. The flavonoid glabridin, another licorice component, has also been linked to increased resting metabolic rate.

Risks and Side Effects of Licorice

While the potential for fat reduction is intriguing, the side effects associated with licorice are significant and serious, primarily due to the glycyrrhizin content. Prolonged high intake can lead to a condition called pseudohyperaldosteronism. This condition mimics the effects of high aldosterone levels and can cause several adverse health outcomes.

Key Side Effects of Licorice Consumption:

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Glycyrrhizin causes the body to retain salt and water, which can dangerously elevate blood pressure.
Low Potassium Levels (Hypokalemia): The body excretes excess potassium, which can lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, and heart rhythm problems.
Edema (Swelling): Water retention can cause significant swelling, especially in the ankles and feet.
Heart Problems: Severe cases can lead to cardiac arrest and irregular heartbeat.
Drug Interactions: Licorice can interact with medications like diuretics, corticosteroids, and blood thinners.
Pregnancy Risks: It is considered unsafe for pregnant women and can increase the risk of premature delivery.

To mitigate these risks, many licorice products available commercially, especially supplements, use deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). However, this processing also removes the compound most responsible for the proposed fat-reducing effects, making it ineffective for weight loss.

Licorice Supplements vs. Whole Food Licorice: A Comparison


Feature	Glycyrrhizin-Containing Licorice Root	Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)	Licorice Flavonoid Oil (LFO)
Form	Raw root, tea, traditional candies	Processed tablets, capsules	Oil extract
Fat Reduction Potential	Yes, based on some studies (primarily via glycyrrhetinic acid).	Negligible, as the active compound is removed.	Yes, in specific studies using high doses of concentrated extract.
Key Risks	High risk of hypertension, hypokalemia, edema, and cardiac issues, especially with prolonged high intake.	Low risk of glycyrrhizin-related side effects.	Potentially lower risk than whole root, but still requires careful dosage and monitoring.
Best For	Traditional medicine, short-term, low-dose use (not recommended for weight loss due to risks).	Soothing stomach issues, ulcers (the primary use).	Specific, studied weight-management applications, but not for general consumption without supervision.

Conclusion: So, does licorice burn fat?

The answer to whether licorice burns fat is complex and comes with significant caveats. While some studies, particularly those focusing on its active components like glycyrrhetinic acid and licorice flavonoid oil, have shown promising results in reducing body fat mass, these findings do not automatically translate into a safe, reliable weight-loss solution for the general public. The potent and dangerous side effects, primarily stemming from glycyrrhizin, make regular consumption for weight loss highly inadvisable. Furthermore, many commercially available, safer licorice products (DGL) have had the relevant active compound removed. Ultimately, while licorice has medicinal properties, it is not a recommended or safe strategy for burning fat. Sustainable and healthy weight management is best achieved through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and professional medical advice.

For more comprehensive information on healthy and sustainable weight loss methods, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides evidence-based guidance: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/303409.

A Final Word on Licorice and Weight Loss

Before considering any supplement, including licorice, for weight loss, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. Self-medicating with traditional licorice root can pose serious health risks. Safe weight loss focuses on a calorie-controlled diet and increased physical activity, not unproven or risky shortcuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, licorice candy is typically made with anise oil and contains sugar, not enough of the active compound (glycyrrhetinic acid) to burn fat. Any potential fat-reducing effects from the compound are far outweighed by the risks associated with high consumption.

DGL is a processed form of licorice with most of the glycyrrhizin removed to minimize side effects. Because the potentially fat-reducing component is gone, DGL does not help with weight loss but is instead used for soothing stomach issues.

The primary risks include severe high blood pressure, fluid retention (edema), and dangerously low potassium levels (hypokalemia), which can lead to heart problems. These side effects are tied to the glycyrrhizin found in unprocessed licorice.

Yes, safer and more effective methods for fat burning include a balanced, calorie-controlled diet rich in whole foods, regular cardiovascular and strength-training exercise, and prioritizing good sleep and hydration.

Consuming licorice tea for fat loss is generally not recommended. The amount of licorice and its compounds can be hard to control, and high or chronic intake can still pose health risks due to glycyrrhizin.

One notable study demonstrating fat reduction with licorice involved normal-weight individuals, which showed a decrease in body fat mass but not overall BMI. This does not mean it is only effective for this group, but research is mixed across different populations and study designs.

Discrepancies in research findings can be attributed to differences in the type and dosage of licorice extract used, individual genetics, study duration, participant characteristics (e.g., BMI, ethnicity), and other dietary or lifestyle factors.