This Is How Coffee Can Help You Burn Fat

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages and it may have a little something to do with its caffeine content. In addition to providing a little extra boost of energy in the morning, researchers suggest it can also help us burn more fat. 

Interestingly, 80% of people worldwide consume caffeine daily, and coffee beans are a primary source of this consumption. According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, researchers concluded that caffeine had a powerful influence over energy expenditures and energy intake (or rather, calories in, calories out). "Caffeine has been found to influence the energy balance by increasing energy expenditure and decreasing energy intake, therefore, it can potentially be useful as a bodyweight regulator." Researchers of the study also found that fat oxidation was improved through the process of thermogenesis via caffeine.  

While this research sounds promising for our waistlines, other studies have found similar effects. A 2021 study published in Physiological Research found that coffee can reduce body fat stores through its support of gut microbiota. They stated, "Scientific results validate coffee extract's application for weight loss and treatment of some metabolic disorders (diabetes, obesity, etc.)."

While this research explains significant and direct impacts of coffee's effects on body fat, other studies show indirect impacts of fat loss as well.

Perhaps not so surprisingly, coffee's energizing effects can help you get your workouts in. According to a 2018 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, women who drank one to two cups of coffee per day were more likely to engage in moderate and vigorous forms of physical activity. In fact, women who drank coffee were 23% more likely to meet the study's physical activity guidelines, much of which was attributed to higher energy levels and lower levels of fatigue.

Additionally, a 2020 meta-analysis published in The British Journal of Sports Medicine found that caffeine rarely had negative impacts on exercise. In fact, coffee's caffeine content only helped to improve aerobic endurance, muscle strength, power, jumping ability, and speed. The study showed greater outcomes for aerobic exercise but also suggested it had positive impacts on anaerobic activities as well.