More than 65 percent of all adults living in the United States are classified as overweight -- defined as a body mass index greater than or equal to 25 -- the Weight Loss Information Network reports. To reduce your risk of obesity, consume a low-calorie diet and remain physically active. Caffeine may aid in appetite reduction and obesity prevention and treatment.
Background
Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant. Caffeine is found in a number of popular foods and beverages, including coffee, tea, soft drinks and certain types of tea. Consuming caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, reducing feelings of fatigue and boosting focus and concentration, according to the Mayo Clinic. In addition to the mental benefits, caffeine may help you lose weight and keep it off.
How It Works
Caffeine boosts your body's overall metabolism, according to a review paper published in the July 2006 "Physiology and Pharmacology of Temperature Regulation." In this paper, scientists from Maastricht University note that caffeine from green tea and caffeine stimulate pathways in the body that are responsible for calorie and body-fat burning. They add that caffeine may also reduce appetite, further boosting its anti-obesity effects.
Research
A research study published in the May 2005 issue of "Obesity Research" investigated the effect of added caffeine on weight loss. In this study, a group of 75 overweight volunteers were randomized to two weight loss diets. One diet was caffeine-free, and the other contained 150 mg of daily caffeine. At the end of the three-month followup period, it was discovered that the high caffeine diet boosted overall weight loss. Additionally, caffeine increased the appetite-suppressing hormone leptin.
Dangers
If you want to lose weight, talk to a doctor about diet and medical treatments appropriate for you. Caffeine needs to be combined with healthy lifestyle changes to be effective for weight control. According to the Mayo Clinic caffeine is a powerful stimulant that can lead to anxiety, muscle shaking and poor sleep. Minimize your risk of side effects by consuming no more than two to four cups of brewed coffee per day, or approximately 300 mg per day.
References
- Weight Loss Information Network: Statistics
- MayoClinic.com: Caffeine: How Much is Too Much?
- "Physiology and Pharmacology of Temperature Regulation"; Obesity and Thermogenesis Related to the Consumption of Caffeine, Ephedrine, Capsaicin, and Green Tea; K. Diepvens et al.; July 2006
- "Obesity Research"; Body Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance in Relation to Habitual Caffeine Intake and Green Tea Supplementation; M. Westerterp-Plantenga et al.; May 2005
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