A drink has been identified that may help reduce body fat. What is it all about?

A research team from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, the University of Bristol in the UK, and Imperial College London has stated that zero-calorie caffeinated beverages could potentially serve as tools for reducing body fat. Scientists discovered that the level of caffeine in the blood may influence the amount of fat in the body, and thus it could be used as a marker for the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, according to Science Alert.

The study authors note that they utilized genetic markers to establish a more definitive link between caffeine levels, BMI, and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The results, published in the journal BMJ Medicine, indicate that genetically predicted higher concentrations of caffeine in plasma are associated with lower BMI and overall body fat mass.

Furthermore, researchers found that genetically predicted higher plasma caffeine concentrations were linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Approximately half of the effect of caffeine on susceptibility to type 2 diabetes is believed to be due to a reduction in BMI.

In their study, the scientists analyzed data from just under 10,000 individuals, gathered from existing genetic databases, focusing on variations in or around specific genes known to be associated with the metabolism of caffeine.

The study authors point out that those with variations affecting genes, namely CYP1A2 and AHR, generally metabolize caffeine more slowly, allowing it to remain in the bloodstream longer. Interestingly, these individuals also tend to consume less caffeine overall.

Researchers employed a method known as Mendelian randomization to determine causal relationships between the presence of variations (diabetes, body mass) and lifestyle factors. The results showed a significant link between caffeine levels, BMI, and the risk of type 2 diabetes; however, no connection was found between blood caffeine levels and the risk of cardiovascular diseases (atrial fibrillation, heart failure, stroke).

It is worth noting that previous studies have already identified a connection between moderate and relative increases in caffeine consumption with improved heart health and reduced BMI. The authors of this new work believe that their analysis expands on what we already know about the effects of coffee on the human body.

At the same time, scientists remind us that caffeine's effects on the human body are not always positive, and caution should be exercised during its consumption. The authors found that small short-term trials indicated that caffeine intake could indeed lead to weight and fat mass reduction; however, the long-term effects of coffee consumption are still poorly understood.

The team believes that the connection demonstrated here may be related to how caffeine enhances thermogenesis (heat production) and fat oxidation (the conversion of fat into energy) in the body, both of which play crucial roles in overall metabolism. Nonetheless, the researchers acknowledge that Mendelian randomization is not infallible, and further in-depth studies will be required.

Important! This article is based on the latest scientific and medical research and does not contradict them. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. For diagnosis, be sure to consult a doctor.