More Caffeine, Less Weight Gain?

A 12-year study of 18,417 men and 39,740 women found that those who increased their caffeine intake had a lower average weight gain than their peers. (Am J Clin Nutr 2006;83(3):674-80) Those men who drank an additional cup and a half of coffee per day gained a little less than half a kilogram less weight, while women who drank a single additional cup per day gained slightly less than the men. Interestingly, those who drank more decaffeinated coffee seemed to gain weight.

Surprising results: women whose BMI were 25 or greater (those who are considered clinically overweight, those who smoked, or those who were less physically active) seemed to derive greater benefit (that is, gained less weight) from increasing their caffeine intake. The researchers controlled for the number of calories consumed and the intake of soft drinks, so it seems likely that it's not just a matter of drinking coffee instead of eating.

What this means for you

Go ahead and have your coffee. It might even help you minimize that swivel-chair spread.

First posted: April 25, 2006