Caffeine is possibly the most widely used drug in the world. Though a legal, naturally occurring compound found in certain plants, caffeine is a stimulant that can have numerous effects on your central nervous system and various functions of your body. As a stimulant, caffeine definitely does not cause your body to store fat; in fact, it is often used as an active ingredient in diet pills and other weight-loss products, says the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's McKinley Health Center.
Caffeine Basics
Caffeine's effects are more wide-ranging than just waking you up in the morning. Sure, a cup of coffee will energize you and increase your alertness, but caffeine also stimulates your central nervous system and various organs in your body. According to the University of Utah College of Pharmacy, caffeine raises your heart rate, stimulates gastric acid production, increases focus and concentration and even elevates your mood. Caffeine also slightly speeds up your metabolism, says Columbia University's Health Services.
Caffeine and Metabolism
Caffeine does not promote fat storage. However, although it is a stimulant often included in weight-loss products and advertised as a fat burner and metabolism booster, caffeine is probably not as effective for weight loss as diet products claim. According to Columbia University, caffeine raises metabolism only slightly -- burning only around 100 extra calories per day. It is unlikely that typical caffeine intake could ever effect your metabolism enough to reliably burn fat and contribute to weight loss.
Other Effects
Weight-loss products containing caffeine typically include large amounts, but ingesting too much caffeine can be dangerous, notes the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champain While moderate use of caffeine -- roughly 300 mg per day or less, the equivalent of up to three cups of coffee -- is generally considered safe, excessive amounts of caffeine can cause anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, tremors and headache, says the University of Utah College of Pharmacy.
Considerations
In the end, the factors that most influence how much fat your body stores are the number of calories you eat each day and how much exercise you get. If you enjoy caffeine in moderate doses, you can probably rest easy about any concerns regarding caffeine and body fat; however, if you have questions or concerns, consult your physician for evaluation and advice.
Member Comments