Caffeine and Weight Loss.

Does caffeine cause you to lose weight ?

More than one person has assumed that caffeine can cause weight loss, and its inclusion in most commercially available fat burners seem to support this assumption, but is it based on fact ? The research listed below might help you make an informed decision for yourself.

Caffeine Weight Loss Research

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.

Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol. 1988 Nov;26(11):521-33.

Research Title: Caffeine ingestion increases the insulin response to an oral-glucose-tolerance test in obese men before and after weight loss.

Year Published: 2004

Research Summary: Nine obese men were taken through a set diet and exercise regime lasting 12 weeks in which they avoided caffeine. The men were given glucose tolerance tests by mouth, which were compared to the same tests taken before the men underwent the study. As a result of the intervention, the men lost weight and their body fat ratio's decreased. The results of comparing the before and after glucose tolerance tests suggests that caffeine lowers insulin sensitivity which causes cells to take up much less glucose and thereby increasing blood-glucose levels. This results of this study are consistent with theories that caffeine ingestion increases insulin resistance.

Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Jul;80(1):22-8.

Research Title: Effects of caffeine on human health.

Year Published: 2003

Research Summary: Moderate caffeine consumption for the general population is generally seen to be safe. A safe dose of caffeine would be up to 400 mg per day or 6 mg per kg for a 65 kg person. It is recommended that a safe dose for women of child-bearing years should consume less than 300 mg per day.

Effects of caffeine on human health.

Conclusions about Caffeine Weight Loss:

While caffeine is used in most fat burners, it is debatable as to whether it has a significant effect on weight loss, unless it is combined with an ingredient like ephedra.

It has been shown to cause elevated blood-glucose levels which in turn encourages the body to store the extra glucose for the future.

Is caffeine weight loss safe ? It is safe to use. However, given that safe dosages for men and women may vary, always check the amount of caffeine included in the fat burning product. E.g. the stacker 2 ephedra free lists 200 mg of caffeine per serving (not including that from green tea and kola nuts) and if taken as directed on the website, after each meal (3), you would end up consuming 600 mg of caffeine.

Other references your might be interested in about caffeine weight loss:

Dietary supplements and functional food for weight reduction -- expectations and reality

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