Caffeine and Weight Management: Does Coffee Really Help You Lose Weight?

According to Mayo Clinic, "A few studies indicate that drinking coffee or tea with caffeine may slightly boost weight loss or prevent weight gain." Although caffeine may help keep weight off, it does not cause significant weight loss. Caffeine may affect weight in various ways.

Appetite

• Drinking an 8 oz. cup of coffee (120mg of caffeine) may suppress the appetite for a few hours. This can backfire after the effects of the caffeine wear off, leaving the individual more hungry.

Metabolism

• Caffeine is a stimulant. It stimulates the brain, body reactions and the metabolism. Metabolic increases occur because caffeine increases thermogenesis (the energy your body produces from digestion).

Diuretic Effect

• Caffeine is a diuretic. It causes the body to increase the amount of water it expels from the body in urine. By increasing water loss, your body weight decreases.

Adverse Effects

• Caffeine may increase food cravings because it releases the hormone cortisol which induces stress. For many, stress can lead to overeating. Caffeine can also cause an insulin resistance, affecting blood sugar levels.

Considerations

• If you are consuming caffeine for weight loss, keep in mind you will need to avoid sugars, fatty dairy products and processed oils. If coffee is the caffeinated beverage of choice, drink it black for it to be effective.