When it comes to weight loss, gimmicks and quick fixes are mostly ineffective. This includes the notion that consuming caffeine can help to shed those extra pounds. The first step in weight loss is to talk with a health-care provider, especially if considering using caffeine, as too much caffeine may lead to health problems.
Warnings
Caffeine is a substance found in beverages such as coffee, tea and sports drinks; some types of food such as chocolate; and many medications. Caffeine is a known stimulant, as it speeds up metabolism and the activity of the central nervous system. For most, consuming the equivalent of 2 to 4 cups of coffee a day is not harmful to health, says MedlinePlus. However, everyone's sensitivity to caffeine is different, and for some just a small amount can cause restlessness, anxiety, headaches, abnormal heart rhythms or other problems. In addition, once you stop consuming caffeine, you can have withdrawal symptoms.
Considerations
Since caffeine does boost metabolism, it may temporarily increase calorie expenditure. However, this is not enough to cause significant weight loss, reports MayoClinic.com. In addition, caffeine is a diuretic, and when urination increases, weight may drop. As soon as you rehydrate, however, the water weight will return, and to maintain good health, you must be well hydrated. For some, caffeine suppresses appetite, which may lead to eating fewer calories. But cutting back on calories long-term without consuming caffeine is a safer way to lose weight.
Green Tea
Caffeine contains antioxidants called polyphenols, which provide flavor to coffee. These are the same chemicals found in green tea, which is also often used for weight loss. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, consuming green tea may promote weight loss and maintenance in overweight and moderately obese individuals. While much more research is needed, it appears that polyphenols may stimulate the body to burn fat, and the caffeine in green tea helps the body absorb the phytochemicals more quickly. Drinking 2 to 3 cups of green tea per day or taking 100 to 750 mg per day of standardized green tea extract may support weight-loss efforts for some.
Calorie Count
If you want to include caffeinated beverages as part of your weight-loss plan, be careful about all of the other ingredients that are in your beverage. While the caffeine and polyphenols may help to boost weight loss, adding cream, sugar and other flavorings to your drink may sabotage your efforts. A cup of black coffee can contain between zero and 9 calories, and a cup of plain green tea can have anywhere from zero to 35 calories. However, a flavored 8-ounce coffee can have more than 100 calories if you get the super-sized cup. Start adding whipped cream and toppings, and the calorie count can soar to over 500 in an 8-ounce cup.
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