Facts about Caffeine

Article by Dr. Steve Wooden DNP CRNA NSPM-C

Fat Farmers,
I just wanted to add something to the Blog that might be of help.

The information about Caffeine that exists on the internet can be misleading. If you don’t mind I will submit information from time to time from some of my most trusted
medical information sites.

I will try to provide balanced information.  As we all know, knowledge is fluid, an every changing constant.

My hope is that I can provide a different view point from alternative sources when I can.

I also want to thank Jerry for getting the Fat Farm started. If nothing else,
the Farm will provide a trusted source to help us all understand the importance of paying attention to what we eat.

Dr. Steve Wooden DNP CRNA NSPM-C

Q and A

Question
Caffeine: Can it help me lose weight? Does caffeine increase weight loss?
Answer
from Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D.

A few studies indicate that drinking coffee or tea with caffeine may
slightly boost weight loss or prevent weight gain.

 

There is no evidence that increased caffeine consumption results in significant or permanent weight loss.

 

Some of the studies looking at caffeine and weight were
poor quality or done on animals, making the results questionable or hard to
generalize to humans.

 

In addition, other studies found that decaffeinated coffee may contribute to modest changes in weight.  Thus, suggesting that
substances or factors besides caffeine may play a role in weight loss.

 

Although the research about caffeine and weight is not definitive,
researchers have several theories about how caffeine affects weight.

 

Appetite suppression.

Caffeine may reduce your desire to eat for a brief
time, but there’s not enough evidence to show that long-term consumption
aids weight loss.

Calorie burning.

Caffeine may stimulate thermogenesis – one way your body
generates heat and energy from digesting food. But this probably isn’t
enough to produce significant weight loss.

Water loss.

Caffeine acts as a diuretic, which means it increases the
amount of urine you excrete. This water loss may temporarily decrease your body weight.  While you may be tempted to try caffeine to aid weight loss, keep in mind that caffeine is a stimulant.  Too much can cause nervousness, insomnia, and other problems. In addition, some caffeinated beverages, such as specialty coffees, are high in calories and fat. So instead of losing weight, you might actually gain weight.

 

Steve Wooden DNP, CRNA, NSPM-C