Coffee Linked to Less Weight Gain, Study Finds
Coffee is well recognised for its positive impact on long-term health, including reducing the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. But can coffee also help prevent gradual weight gain? A group of researchers set out to answer this question.
The researchers analyzed data from three large studies conducted in the United States, including two Nurses’ Health Studies and a Health Professional Follow-up study. Combined, these studies had over 280,000 participants. The participants completed questionnaires about their food and drink intake every four years, and their weight was also recorded.
The findings, which are currently in pre-proof, indicate that drinking an extra cup of coffee a day was associated with gaining 0.12 kg less weight than expected over four years. However, adding one teaspoon of sugar to coffee was associated with a weight gain of 0.09 kg more than expected over the same period.
It should be noted that the findings represent an association and not causation. This means that the study does not prove that coffee intake is the direct cause of weight change, but rather that the two factors were observed together. Additionally, the weight changes observed were very modest and may not be significant for most individuals trying to manage their weight. It is also worth mentioning that the study did not account for the variability in caffeine content in different types of coffee.
Caffeine, the natural stimulant found in coffee, has been shown to temporarily reduce appetite and increase alertness, potentially leading to reduced energy intake. It has also been found to slightly speed up metabolism, causing more calories to be burned while resting. However, these effects are generally short-lived and not a substitute for regular exercise and a healthy diet.
While this study offers some insight into the relationship between coffee and weight management, it is important not to jump to conclusions or increase coffee intake to unreasonable levels. Most adults can safely consume around 400mg of caffeine per day. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult with their doctors before increasing their caffeine intake.
If you are seeking individualized weight guidance, it is recommended to speak with a healthcare professional or an accredited practising dietitian.
This article was republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.