Losing weight can improve your appearance and also lower your risk of developing certain diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and arthritis. Losing weight often requires some limitation of calories, which is why some people utilize compounds which suppress the appetite. Caffeine may have some effects on suppressing your appetite and helping with weight loss, but there is not enough evidence to support its use as part of a diet program.
Caffeine Sources
Caffeine can be found in a variety of different products. Beverages, such as coffee, some teas and sodas commonly contain caffeine. Products made with cocoa, such as chocolate and some ice creams may also contain caffeine. Energy drinks, including products marketed as "energy water" and some weight loss supplements also have significant amounts of caffeine. Caffeine can also be added to some pain killers to help with headaches.
Significance
One reason why people consume caffeine is they think it will keep them from being hungry. According to MayoClinic.com, there is some evidence that caffeine can temporarily reduce your appetite due to its ability to stimulate the nervous system. However, there is not enough evidence to support its effectiveness in helping people curb their desire to eat for the purpose of losing weight.
Weight Loss Effects
Caffeine's potential in helping you lose weight is not just limited to its effects on appetite. Caffeine may also stimulate a physiological process known as thermogenesis, which is the amount of body heat that your body emanates. Increasing thermogenesis causes you to burn calories more rapidly. On the other hand, even if caffeine can increase the amount of heat your body generates, it is not likely to significantly contribute to weight loss, MayoClinic.com reports. The main way in which caffeine can help you lose weight is by increasing your urine output, which can temporarily cause weight loss.
Considerations
In some cases caffeine may actually stimulate appetite, LoveToKnow.com explains. One of the effects of caffeine is an increase in the levels of a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is normally produced when the body is stressed and signals the body that it needs to increase energy reserves. As a result, increases in cortisol caused by caffeine can actually stimulate the appetite.
Other Side Effects
If you want to use caffeine as an appetite suppressant, you should do so only in moderation. Caffeine can have a number of side effects on the body, MedLinePlus explains, including anxiousness, tremors, increased urine output, irritability and insomnia. It is also possible to become addicted to caffeine; once you become addicted to caffeine, you need to periodically consume caffeine or you will develop symptoms of withdrawal, such as nausea, headaches, drowsiness, irritability and vomiting.
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