When trying to lose weight, it can be confusing to know what program to follow. Some advocate limiting fats, others restrict carbohydrates and there are plans where just one type of food, such as grapefruit, is the main food allowed. There are also programs that advocate caffeine consumption or taking caffeine pills to help promote weight loss. They all promise fast results, although they are not all safe and/or even effective. When starting a new diet plan, it is always best to speak with a health care provider first and to understand the role that caffeine plays in weight loss and management.
Considerations
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant found in coffee, tea, soda, sports drinks, some foods and in certain medications. It is also a common ingredient in weight loss pills. It cause feelings of alertness and boosts energy. Caffeine is used for weight loss because it increases metabolism, notes the American Osteopathic Association. However, caffeine can also cause side effects. Individual sensitivity to caffeine varies, and while in some people just a small amount causes problems, others can ingest large amounts with no ill effects.
Benefits
Caffeine not only boosts metabolism, it also suppresses appetite and causes an increase in urination, all of which may contribute to small weight loss achievements, reports MayoClinic.com. To date, there is not enough research to fully back the use of caffeine for weight loss, and it does not appear that caffeine is a solution for long-term weight management. Moreover, because some noncaffeinated beverages have shown promise in promoting weight loss, other substances besides caffeine may be more effective.
Warnings
Consuming caffeine pills for weight loss may create undesirable side effects. MayoClinic.com recommends being on the lookout for tremors, restlessness, insomnia, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and fatigue. If caffeinated beverages high in calories such as specialty coffees are consumed instead of caffeine pills, the result may be weight gain instead of weight loss. Caffeine is also known to interact with many medications, so the use of caffeine pills should always be discussed with a physician. To avoid complications, there are safer and more effective ways to lose weight.
Theories/Speculation
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, instead of taking caffeine pills, drinking caffeinated green tea may possibly help you shed those extra pounds. This may not be due to the caffeine, however, but rather chemicals found in green tea called polyphenols, which includes catechins. These substances appear to boost metabolism and help the body to burn fat. They may be helpful for both weight loss and keeping the weight off. However, polyphenols can also interact with medications and should not be consumed by those with chronic diseases.
Solution
The most effective way to lose weight and keep it off is to develop lifelong healthy eating and exercise habits. The bottom line is that weight loss is achieved by burning more calories than are consumed. Quick fixes, pills and extreme programs do not work, because they do not address the underlying reasons that lead to overeating. Behaviors must be changed, correct portion sizes must be eaten and these habits must remain throughout life.
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