Caffeine and Weight Gain

Caffeine might make you feel refreshed and active, but it may hinder your weight loss efforts. Caffeine can increase your hunger cravings, and make you eat more than you require. It may also induce stress, which can lead to emotional eating to ward away the stress. Caffeine and weight gain are closely associated, and it may help to cut down your caffeine intake if you would like to lose weight.

How can Caffeine cause Weight Gain?
Here are the reasons why caffeine may lead to weight gain:

• Increases Cortisol levels: Cortisol is the stress hormone, which signals the body to increase the energy stores. Increased cortisol levels can lead to hunger cravings. Caffeine intake increases the cortisol levels, thereby, increasing the appetite and making the individual eat more. This may lead to weight gain in the long term.
• Induces Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia is a condition where the body has low blood sugar levels, and the body does not have enough energy to carry out activities. When hypoglycemia occurs, you would be more hungry to maintain the energy levels. Caffeine can lead to hypoglycemia, and you may find yourself eating more food to keep the energy levels up
• May increase stress: Caffeine can make you feel jittery and stressful. This may in turn lead to emotional eating to ward off feelings of stress.

The relation between caffeine and weight gain seems to be strong. Hence, if you are planning for weight loss, do limit your caffeine levels. Herbal teas and water are a good replacements for caffeinated drinks.

What Research has to Say on Caffeine and Weight Gain ?

• A report was presented at the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies in June 2009.
• The research findings in the report said that children who drank more caffeine were able to sleep less.
• They remained awake for long hours before the television and computer.
• This long hours of awakening caused these children to drink more caffeine raising their body mass index too.
• The study involved 320 children belonging to the age group of 13.3 years on average.
• Conclusions of the study were arrived at by analysing the completed questionnaires of these children involving queries on their detailed dietary and physical activity.
• The obvious relationship between increased electronic screen time, inadequate sleep and increased intake of caffeine is found to affect the adolescent psychologically and academically too.
• Poor parenting is primary responsible for this state of adolescents in the society today.