Caffeine stimulates your central nervous system, which could result in reduced appetite, according to National Institutes of Health online medical encyclopedia Medline Plus. Additionally, caffeine, which is found naturally in a number of foods, is a diuretic that can help boost your metabolism and help you lose weight. Before turning to caffeine to supplement your weight loss program, however, talk to your doctor to make sure it won't cause additional problems or interfere with any other treatment you're undergoing.
How It Works
Caffeine is rapidly absorbed in your bloodstream and passes directly to your brain. It continues to move quickly through your body and is secreted in your urine within hours of consumption. While it's moving through your system, caffeine stimulates thermogenesis, a process by which your body separates heat from energy. The body function steps up your metabolism slightly, burning a few more calories than you might have without the caffeine. Caffeine also reduces your hunger momentarily.
Sources
Caffeine is one of the most popular mood-altering drugs in the world, according to Johns Hopkins University. Americans consume an average of 280 mg per day. That's the equivalent of 84 oz. of soft drinks or 17 oz. of brewed coffee. As little as 30 g of caffeine can alter your moods and affect your behavior, while 100 mg a day can lead to addiction and physical dependency. In addition to coffee, tea and soft drinks are common sources of coffee. Many medications, over-the-counter appetite suppressants and weight-loss products are made with caffeine.
Effects
Caffeine is commonly used as an appetite suppressant and to relieve pain from migraine headaches and cold symptoms. As it hits your central nervous system, caffeine causes your heart rate to speed up. Since it is a stimulant, avoid giving caffeine to hyperactive children. Pregnant women also should avoid caffeine because it could cause low birth weight. Caffeine causes your blood pressure to rise slightly and may contain lipids that could increase your blood serum cholesterol levels.
Warning
Caffeine produces significant side effects that could lead to serious consequences. According to Johns Hopkins, high doses of caffeine can lead to anxiety disorders, insomnia and addiction. Ingesting more than 200 mg of caffeine can cause panic attacks and disrupt your sleep when you use it before bedtime. Despite the side effects, you may not be able to curb your caffeine habit if you develop an addiction, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms when you do stop. The most common signs of caffeine withdrawal include headaches, irritability, decreased motivation at work, sleepiness and flu-like symptoms.
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