In recent years, scientists have increasingly focused on how everyday beverages can affect our bodies. It turns out that caffeine levels in the blood do more than just wake us up in the morning—they may also be linked to how much fat the body accumulates and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. An international study led by researchers from Sweden and the UK sheds light on the unexpected ways caffeine can influence metabolism.
Instead of simply observing coffee lovers, researchers took things a step further by using genetic markers to understand how caffeine specifically affects body weight and diabetes risk. This approach allowed them to separate the effects of caffeine itself from other lifestyle factors that usually muddy the picture.
Genetics and Caffeine
Nearly 10,000 people participated in the study, with data sourced from large genetic databases. Special attention was given to the CYP1A2 and AHR genes—key to how quickly the body breaks down caffeine. People with certain variants of these genes metabolize caffeine more slowly, so it stays in their blood longer. Interestingly, such individuals typically drink less coffee but feel its effects for a longer time.
Using the Mendelian randomization method, scientists tried to identify causal relationships between genetic characteristics, caffeine levels, body weight, and diabetes risk. The results were quite intriguing: people with higher blood caffeine levels had lower body mass index and reduced fat stores. Additionally, their risk of developing type 2 diabetes was lower.
Impact on Metabolism
Researchers suggest that caffeine may accelerate thermogenesis—the process of heat production in the body—as well as enhance fat oxidation by converting fat into energy. Both mechanisms are directly linked to increased metabolism and reduced fat reserves. However, despite the clear association between caffeine, body weight, and diabetes, scientists found no similar effect on cardiovascular diseases.
Previous studies had already linked moderate coffee consumption to better heart health and weight loss, but this new research adds important details. It is now clear that not only the amount of coffee consumed, but also the individual characteristics of caffeine metabolism play a crucial role.
Potential risks
Despite the encouraging results, scientists emphasize that one should not overlook the potential negative effects of excessive caffeine consumption. For some individuals, too much caffeine can lead to anxiety, insomnia, and even heart problems. Therefore, it is important to take a personalized approach and not get carried away with coffee trends without moderation.
Moreover, the long-term effects of regular caffeine consumption remain largely unexplored. Short-term experiments indicate a reduction in weight and body fat, but what will happen over the years is still an open question. Researchers urge caution and advise against drawing hasty conclusions based on a single study.
What’s next?
The authors of the study believe that calorie-free caffeinated drinks could become a promising tool in the fight against obesity and diabetes. However, additional clinical trials are needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of this approach. For now, we can only follow new developments in science and remember to maintain a balanced diet and lifestyle.
If you didn’t know, caffeine is a natural alkaloid found not only in coffee, but also in tea, cocoa, chocolate, and even some medications. It stimulates the central nervous system, increases productivity, and improves mood. However, everyone reacts to caffeine differently: some people can drink several cups in a row and sleep soundly, while for others even a single serving can cause insomnia. It’s important to remember that moderation is the best approach when it comes to caffeinated beverages.
