Examine the published research about caffeine and weight loss.

The issue of caffeine and weight loss is an important one when considering fat burners, as it is a very popular ingredient in fat burners. It is a stimulant that most of us use in our daily lives to give us a kick start. The use of caffeine in fat burners can also be disguised as guarana or green tea extract. That is, these plants themselves, contain caffeine.

Research Summary On Caffeine and Weight Loss

Research Title: Caffeine : a new look at an age-old drug.

Year Published: 1998

Research Summary: Caffeine inhibits adenosine which is the chemical that causes us to become drowsy and fall into sleep. It could enhance weight loss when consumed prior to exercise, however, this requires further investigation. The consumption of products containing caffeine at this point appears to be safe.

National Library of Medicine

Somani SM, Gupta P. Caffeine: a new look at an age-old drug. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol. 1988 Nov;26(11):521-33. Abstract

Research Title: Effects of caffeine on human health.

Year Published: 2003

Research Summary:

A literature review was completed on the safety of caffeine use amongst the healthy adult population. They found that dose levels up to 400mg per day was not associated with affects such as adverse cardiovascular affects, bone status, calcium absorption, cancer or male infertility.

The authors reported that the research suggests that women and children should consume less than this amount as they represent an "at risk" group. The paper recommended that women of child bearing age should consume up to 300mg per day and children should consume up to 2.5mg per kg per day.

National Library of Medicine:

Nawrot P, Jordan S, Eastwood J, Rotstein J, Hugenholtz A, Feeley M. Effects of caffeine on human health. Food Addit Contam. 2003 Jan;20(1):1-30. Abstract

Caffeine and Weight Loss Research Title: Herbal ephedra/caffeine for weight loss: a 6-month randomized safety and efficacy trial.

Year Published: 2002

Research Summary:

The researchers set about finding what long term benefits and efficacy of a herbal supplement containing Ma Huang and Kola Nut (both having high levels of caffeine) had to offer consumers. Researchers observed 167 subjects under double blind conditions over a six month period at two outpatient weight loss research centers.

The supplement was found to have decreased body weight, body fat and LDL cholesterol levels, while heightening HDL cholesterol levels, more than the placebo. While heart rates and blood pressure levels were increased, no difference in the amount of arrhythmias detected were observed between the two groups.

Researchers involved in this study made the conclusion that this particular supplement reduced body weight, body fat and improved lipid profiles without significant adverse effects.

International Journal of Obesity:

C N Boozer, P A Daly, P Homel, J L Solomon1, D Blanchard, J A Nasser, R Strauss and T Meredith Herbal ephedra/caffeine for weight loss: a 6-month randomized safety and efficacy trial May 2002, Volume 26, Number 5, Pages 593-604. Abstract

Conclusions about Caffeine and Weight Loss:

According to the studies above, the use of caffeine is safe, however, women of child bearing age and children need to be mindful of the amount of caffeine that they are consuming.

The study on caffeine and weight loss presented here indicates that caffeine can have a beneficial effect on weight loss, however the use of caffeine as a weight loss aid would need to also be accompanied by a healthy, balanced diet and a sensible exercise regime.

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