Caffeine, also known medically as trimethylxanthine, is a stimulant that increases energy and alertness by binding to adenosine receptors, a chemical that slows down your body’s processes. In addition, caffeine isn’t fattening but instead may enhance weight loss. This is the main reason why most weight-loss products on the market contain caffeine.
Lipolysis
One of the ways caffeine prevents weight gain and enhances weight loss is by increasing lipolysis, according to a study performed by researchers at Tongji Medical College in China. They discovered that fat cells of rats exposed to caffeine underwent lipolysis, a process that breaks down fat cells into fatty acids and glycerol. This in turn helps reduce the size of fat cells. The findings were reported in the 1998 May issue of “Planta Medica.”
Energy Expenditure
Researchers at Maastricht University in the Netherlands performed a meta-analysis, or review, of the scientific studies regarding the impact of caffeine consumption on caffeine on energy expenditure and fat oxidation. They concluded that caffeine supplementation stimulates an increase in 24-hour energy expenditure, and this effect is enhanced when combined with green tea catechins, antioxidants found in green tea, according to research published in the July 2011 issue of “Obesity Reviews.”
Body Weight
In another study reported in the July 2005 issue of “Obesity Research,” scientists at Maastricht University discovered that habitual caffeine consumers were more likely to have less body weight, fat mass and a smaller waist circumference compared with those who were nonhabitual caffeine consumers.
Side Effects
Caffeine may have fat-burning properties. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, excess caffeine consumption may lead to tremor, insomnia, vomiting and nausea. In addition, very high caffeine intakes may decrease potassium levels.
References
- "Planta Medica"; Isolation of Lipolytic Substances Caffeine and 1,7-Dimethylxanthine From the Stem and Rhizome Sinomenium Actum; M. Jiang et al.; May 1998
- "Obesity Reviews"; The Effects of Catechin Rich Teas and Caffeine on Energy Expenditure and Fat Oxidation: a Meta-Analysis; R. Hursel et al.; July 2011
- "Obesity Research"; Body Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance in Relationship to Habitual Caffeine Intake and Green Tea Supplementation; M.S. Westerterp, et al.; July 2005
- Linus Pauling Institute: Coffee; September 2008
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