A recent study has highlighted that adding an extra cup of coffee to your daily routine may lead to a slight reduction in weight over a span of four years. The consumption of an additional cup of unsweetened coffee was associated with a quarter-pound (0.12 kilograms) decrease in weight over this period. It appears that consuming coffee with creamy or dairy-free coffee whitener does not affect weight, but just a single teaspoon of sugar leads to weight gain, according to the Daily Mail.
It is believed that increasing overall fluid intake can induce a feeling of fullness, potentially resulting in the consumption of fewer calories throughout the day.
The changes were particularly significant among young individuals and those struggling with overweight or obesity, as 42% of American adults and 20% of children suffer from excessive obesity.
Researchers from the Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts utilized data from three extensive previous studies where participants answered questionnaires regarding their food and beverage intake throughout the day, alongside recording their weights. These studies were conducted between 1986 and 2015.
The researchers compared coffee consumption habits among participants and changes in their weight over four-year increments. They looked into both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee consumption, and considered whether individuals added sugar, non-caloric sweeteners, or cream to their beverages. They found that an additional cup of unsweetened coffee daily was associated with a 0.26-pound or 0.12-kilogram decrease in weight over four years. However, if participants increased their daily sugar intake by just a teaspoon, they gained 0.20 pounds during the same period.
The study noted that adding creamy or dairy-free coffee whitener "does not seem to have an effect on weight," while added sugar could negate the weight loss associated with coffee as it can be a source of extra calories. Meanwhile, creamer may contribute to a feeling of fullness, as it contains protein or fat.
The study solely found an association between coffee consumption and weight changes, meaning participants did not necessarily lose or gain weight due to caffeinated beverages.
For instance, individuals who add sugar to their coffee may be more prone to consuming more added sugar in general throughout the day, potentially leading to weight gain. Those who opt for unsweetened coffee may be more conscientious about reducing added sugar in their overall diet. The study was published last week in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
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