Chat with

Black coffee for weight loss: 3 ways it can get you back in shape

It can be beneficial to drink black coffee for weight loss as it contains nutrients that can help in shedding extra kilos. Know how to incorporate it in your daily routine.
Black coffee
Drink black coffee for weight loss. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock
Published On: 24 Jan 2025, 11:00 am IST
Gauri Anand
Medically Reviewed by

Black coffee, a popular beverage recognised for its rich aroma and stimulating characteristics, has become a modern-day staple. It has several benefits, including increased alertness and cognitive performance. But have you tried drinking black coffee for weight loss? Caffeine, the primary component in coffee, can boost your metabolism, resulting in more calorie burning. It can also work as a natural appetite suppressant, keeping you fuller for longer and lowering your overall calorie intake. However, be cautious when drinking black coffee for weight loss. Excessive consumption of this beverage may have adverse effects.

What is black coffee?

Black coffee is a simple and unadulterated beverage made by brewing ground coffee beans with hot water. It is enjoyed for its rich, bold flavour and its stimulating effects due to its caffeine content. Unlike other coffee preparations, black coffee contains no additives like milk, cream, or sugar, preserving its pure and unadulterated taste, as found in a study published by the Journal of Autoethnography. It is a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the unadulterated taste of the beverage and its potential health benefits. One such benefit is its ability to keep you in shape. Don’t forget to consume black coffee for weight loss, if you are trying to shed those extra kilos.

Black coffee
Black coffee benefits in losing weight. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Black coffee for weight loss: How does it help?

Here’s why it is beneficial to consume black coffee for weight loss.

1. Boosts metabolism

Caffeine, the main stimulant in coffee, serves as a metabolic accelerator. It sets off several physiological responses, boosting the rate at which your body expends energy, as found in a study published by Current Developments in Nutrition. This increased metabolic activity results in a slightly faster calorie burn, even at rest. Plus, caffeine can promote the breakdown of fat storage, a process known as fat oxidisation. Caffeine, by stimulating the use of fat as an energy source, may help to improve fat-burning efficiency.

2. Helps in appetite suppression

The caffeine exerts a multifaceted influence on appetite regulation, as found in a study published by the International Journal of Food and Nutrition. It interacts with the central nervous system, subtly modulating the release of hormones that govern hunger and satiety. This intricate interplay can lead to a prolonged feeling of fullness, reduce cravings and encourage a sense of satiation. This is why it is a good idea to drink black coffee for weight loss. It may help you feel satisfied with smaller portions, potentially leading to a decrease in overall calorie intake.

3. Increases physical activity

Caffeine’s stimulating properties can significantly impact your energy levels and alertness. By enhancing mental focus and reducing feelings of fatigue, caffeine can provide an invigorating boost, making you more likely to engage in physical activity, as found in a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. This increased physical activity, whether it’s a brisk walk, a workout session, or simply increased daily movement, translates to higher calorie expenditure.

How to drink black coffee for weight loss?

If you want to consume black coffee for weight loss, here are some ways you can include it in your daily routine, as suggested by dietician Gauri Anand:

1. Morning kickstart: Enjoy a cup of black coffee first thing in the morning. Caffeine can help rev up your metabolism, potentially increasing calorie burning throughout the day.

2. Pre-workout boost: Have a cup of black coffee about 30 minutes before your workout. Caffeine can enhance athletic performance and may help you burn more calories during your exercise session.

pre workout food
Try having black coffee before a workout to lose weight effectively. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

3. Appetite suppressant: Sip on black coffee between meals to help curb cravings and reduce overall calorie intake. Caffeine can interact with your brain to promote feelings of fullness and satisfaction.

4. Flavourful alternatives: Experiment with adding a dash of cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger to your black coffee for a subtle flavour boost without adding extra calories.

Side effects of consuming black coffee for weight loss

While drinking black coffee for weight loss is generally safe for most people, there are a few potential side effects:

  • Caffeine can stimulate the nervous system, leading to feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and nervousness in some people.
  • Consuming coffee close to bedtime can interfere with sleep patterns, leading to insomnia and difficulty falling asleep.
  • Black coffee can irritate the stomach lining, and potentially lead to heartburn, acid reflux, and digestive discomfort, especially when consumed on an empty stomach.
  • Caffeine can temporarily increase heart rate and blood pressure. This can be a concern for people with pre-existing heart conditions.
  • Caffeine has a diuretic effect, meaning it can increase urine production. This can lead to dehydration if not accompanied by adequate fluid intake.

Takeaway

Drinking black coffee for weight loss can be beneficial, but it’s not a magic bullet. Caffeine can boost metabolism, suppress appetite, and enhance physical activity, potentially aiding in calorie burning. However, excessive consumption can lead to side effects like anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues. It’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before including it in your daily routine.

Related FAQs

Is it safe to drink black coffee every day?

For most healthy adults, moderate daily consumption of black coffee, typically 3-4 cups, is generally considered safe. However, people's tolerance varies, and it's essential to be mindful of potential side effects like anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues.

When is the best time to consume black coffee for weight loss?

The best time to consume black coffee for potential weight loss benefits is typically in the morning to kickstart your metabolism and increase alertness.

Disclaimer: At Health Shots, we are committed to providing accurate, reliable, and authentic information to support your health and well-being. However, the content on this website is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised advice regarding your specific medical condition or concerns.

  • Google News Share
  • Facebook Share
  • X Share
  • WhatsApp Share
About The Author
Shruti Bhattacharya
Shruti Bhattacharya

Shruti Bhattacharya is a content writer and editor for 3 years. She specialises in writing on a variety of topics such as wellness, lifestyle, beauty, technology and fashion. Her current focus is on creating factually correct and informative stories for readers.

Next Story
Healthshots AHA
Ask a Health Query
Anonymously for FREE!
Close Popup Healthshots AHA
  • Healthshots AHAUnlimited Queries
  • Healthshots AHACompletely Anonymous
  • Healthshots AHA Credible Sources
CHAT NOW