Abstract: Obesity is a major risk factor and pathological basis for several chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and tumors. It has now become a global public health issue. With the increasing prevalence of obesity, research and application of natural anti-obesity drugs have become a continuous focus of attention. Tea polyphenols (TP), collectively known as polyphenolic substances in tea, are abundant and significant in their effects in tea. Numerous studies have shown that tea polyphenols have good anti-obesity effects and promising prospects. This article reviews the research progress on tea polyphenols and their anti-obesity effects in recent years, focusing on in vitro, animal, and clinical studies. It discusses the mechanisms of preventing and treating obesity through tea polyphenols, including the regulation of intestinal microbiota composition, modulation of inflammatory response, promotion of energy expenditure, regulation of enzyme activity, and inhibition of lipid synthesis and absorption. The aim is to lay a foundation for the development of natural tea polyphenol-based weight-loss foods or drugs.