Coffee Linked to Reduced Weight Gain, Study Finds
Coffee has long been recognized for its positive impact on long-term health, reducing the risk of conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. But can it also help prevent weight gain? A group of researchers set out to investigate this question.
The researchers conducted a study to determine whether drinking an extra cup of coffee a day, with or without additives like sugar, cream, or non-dairy alternatives, would result in more or less weight gain than those who didn’t adjust their coffee intake.
The study, which is currently undergoing final formatting and copyediting, found a modest association between coffee consumption and less weight gain than expected. Participants who drank an extra cup of coffee a day gained 0.12 kg less weight than expected over a four-year period.
Adding sugar to coffee, however, resulted in a slightly higher weight gain of 0.09 kg over the same time frame.
To conduct the study, the researchers combined data from three large studies conducted in the United States, including the Nurses’ Health Studies and the Health Professional Follow-up study. These studies involved a total of over 280,000 participants.
Participants in the studies completed questionnaires about their diet and coffee consumption every four years. The researchers analyzed changes in coffee intake and self-reported weight changes over four-year intervals.
The findings indicated that increasing unsweetened caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee intake by one cup a day was associated with a weight gain that was 0.12 kg less than expected. Adding creamer or a non-dairy alternative did not significantly affect weight change. However, adding sugar to coffee was associated with a weight gain that was 0.09 kg more than expected.
It is important to note that the study only established an association, not causation, between coffee consumption and weight change. Additionally, the weight changes observed were relatively modest.
Caffeine, a natural stimulant found in coffee, has been shown to temporarily reduce appetite and increase alertness, potentially leading to reduced energy intake. It may also temporarily speed up metabolism, resulting in increased energy expenditure. However, these effects are relatively small and should not replace regular physical activity and a healthy diet.
While coffee may have some potential benefits for weight management, it’s important to approach it with caution and not rely solely on it for weight loss. The recommended daily caffeine intake for most adults is around 400mg, equivalent to two espressos or four cups of instant coffee.
For personalized weight guidance, it is advised to consult with a doctor or visit an accredited practicing dietitian. Special caution should be exercised during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as caffeine can be passed on to the baby.
Overall, this study adds to the growing body of research on coffee and its potential health benefits. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these associations and to determine the optimal amount of coffee consumption for weight management.
Disclaimer: This article has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.