subject: Does Excess Caffeine Consumption Cause Obesity? Weight Gain And Other Side Effects [print this page] Although caffeine works well to give you energy and leave you feeling refreshed, it can have a variety of negative side effects, including weight gain and obesity. There are a number of reasons why caffeine contributes to an increase in weight, including high cortisol levels, hypoglycemia, low serotonin and increased stress. Instead of drinking caffeine, individuals that want to lose or maintain their weight should consume water or herbal teas.
There are many ways that caffeine contributes to weight gain and obesity. First, caffeine increases cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a stress hormone that sends signals to the body to increase energy storage. This increased level leads to hunger cravings and an increase appetite, which can easily contribute to weight gain. Next, caffeine can induce hyperglycemia.
Individuals with hyperglycemia have low blood sugar and their bodies do not have enough energy for daily activities. In order to increase energy levels, the body sends unnecessary hunger signals to the body that prompts eating and eventually it can contribute to weight gain. In addition, caffeine drastically decreases the level of serotonin in the body, which is a neurotransmitter that governs important aspects of the brain and allows it to function properly. Side effects of low serotonin include carbohydrate cravings, binge eating and obesity. Other side effects include anxiety, ADD, depression, alcoholism, insomnia, migraines, increased risks for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and certain cancers.
Finally, caffeine can make an individual feel jittery and increase stress levels. Because many people eat to fight off stress, this can easily lead to weight gain and obesity. Individuals trying to lose weight should replace caffeinated beverages such as energy drinks or coffee with herbal tea or water. These beverage choices contain no fat and can help fight food cravings. Other benefits of drinking herbal teas include better skin, reduced puffy eyes, disease resistance and more.
Caffeine can also cause health issues for children. A June 2009 determined that children who drink caffeine have poor sleep habits. They spend long amounts of time in from of a computer or television and also have an increased body mass index over peers who do not regularly consume caffeinated beverages. In addition, these side effects negatively affect the children psychologically and in their academic studies. One of better beverage options would be an herbal tea that is non-caffeinated with a variety of herbs such as dokudami.
