Caffeine

Tuesday, 10 March 2009 08:31

Kelly Tracy, Clinical Nutrition Specialist in Kansas City

I recently had someone ask me about caffeine.  They were under the impression that caffeine was forbidden for Lap-band patients, and that it can make you gain weight.

I had never heard this, so I decided to do some investigating.  I was unable to find any actual research stating that caffeine would cause weight gain.  There is some information on the internet about caffeine contributing to weight gain, but it is not from reputable sources.  Not surprisingly, companies that would benefit from consumers giving up caffeine are the ones recommending that you give up caffeine for some reason or another.

As for weight loss, there have been a few studies that concluded caffeine may enhance weight loss slightly in people who eat a healthy diet and engage in regular physical activity (which you are already doing, right?)  There is no research focusing on caffeine intake and permanent weight loss.
I always linked caffeine with weight loss because of all the over-the-counter weight loss supplements.  The marketing companies for these supplements overstate the effects of caffeine.  They say that caffeine will decrease appetite and help you lose weight.  Studies have not shown this strong correlation between caffeine and weight loss.
Bottom Line Research:

• Caffeine can suppress your appetite.  Studies have shown that some will eat less after having caffeine, but it only lasts for a short time, which isn’t long enough to lead to significant weight loss.
• Some studies have shown that caffeine may briefly increase metabolism.  It does this by stimulating thermogenesis, which is a way the body generates heat while digesting food.  Caffeine’s effect on thermogenesis doesn’t play a big enough role to increase weight loss.
• Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it will dehydrate you in a large enough quantity.  The water loss may decrease your body weight for the time being, but it will come back once you rehydrate.  It is very important to make sure you are hydrated, especially after having the band placed.  Caffeine may make it hard to remain hydrated.

Caffeine is a fairly harmless substance for a healthy individual.  Caffeine has been approved by the FDA, Surgeon General, National Academy of Science, AMA, CDC, etc. You need to know that caffeine is a stimulant, and as such, may increase heart rate and blood pressure.  If you are having difficulty sleeping, or are nervous and irritable, caffeine may be to blame.  If you are a regular caffeine consumer, and you stop suddenly, you will probably have a caffeine headache (a sign of caffeine withdrawal).
Basically, caffeine will not cause weight gain, and probably won’t cause weight loss either.  Continue eating a healthy diet consisting of protein and other whole foods.  If you are a caffeine drinker, it probably won’t hurt you, but if you are not a regular caffeine consumer, starting will not help you lose weight.