Weight Loss Claims: Is Drinking Coffee and Lemon Actually Effective?
Lemon coffee, a popular morning beverage, has been touted as a weight loss aid by some, but does the science support this claim?
While coffee and lemon each have their own health benefits, the idea that lemon coffee specifically causes weight loss is not scientifically supported [1]. The claim that it suppresses appetite or boosts metabolism enough to cause noticeable weight loss lacks substantial evidence [1].
Coffee alone can aid weight loss modestly by boosting metabolism and reducing appetite thanks to caffeine and compounds like chlorogenic acid, especially in green coffee beans [2][4]. Lemon juice contains polyphenols that might improve insulin use and fat burning to some extent, but evidence is preliminary and not conclusive for using lemon coffee as a weight loss method [5].
Lemon water (without coffee) may help weight management indirectly by replacing sugary drinks and promoting hydration, but it is not a magic solution for fat loss [3].
Green coffee supplements, on the other hand, may lead to weight loss, reduced fat percentage, and decreased body mass index according to a 2019 systematic review [6]. Lemon detox diets may help weight loss through calorie restriction [7]. However, the effects of lemon water diets may be due more to increased water consumption than to the lemon itself [8].
It's important to note that anyone considering losing weight should speak with a healthcare professional for tailored nutritional advice [9]. Caffeine may cause withdrawal symptoms if habitual users abruptly stop, lasting up to a week [10]. Additionally, adding lemon to coffee does not provide additional nutritional benefits beyond those of coffee and lemon separately [11].
Lemon, a good source of antioxidants, contains approximately 53.2 milligrams of vitamin C, which is 45% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for adult females and 38% for males [12]. However, lemon may not be an effective weight loss aid, and its effects on weight may be more related to increased water consumption [8].
In a 2023 study, people with metabolic syndrome who drank coffee lost body fat around their middle, while on a Mediterranean diet and engaging in physical activity [13]. This suggests that coffee may have a role in weight loss when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
However, it's crucial to be aware that some people may experience more severe effects of caffeine, such as disorientation or seizure [10]. Therefore, it's essential for people to discuss any adverse effects from drinking coffee with lemon with their healthcare professional.
In conclusion, while lemon coffee may not be a magic weight loss drink, it can be a part of a healthy lifestyle when consumed in moderation. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised nutritional advice.
References:
- Mayo Clinic
- European Journal of Nutrition
- Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Journal of Functional Foods
- Nutrition Reviews
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
- Journal of Obesity
- Journal of the American College of Nutrition
- Mayo Clinic
- American Family Physician
- Nutrition Journal
- USDA FoodData Central
- American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
- Arthritis patients may find some relief with coffee due to its anti-inflammatory properties [10].
- Dermatitis and psoriasis patients should be cautious with lemon consumption, as it can exacerbate skin inflammation and irritation [2].
- Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease patients might benefit from certain nutrients, such as vitamins, in coffee and lemon [6].
- Lemon detox diets can sometimes lead to nutrient deficiencies due to the restricted intake of food-and-drink [7].
- Dry skin conditions, like atopic dermatitis, could be worsened by consuming too much coffee [10].
- Ankylosing spondylitis, a type of inflammatory arthritis, may be associated with coffee consumption, but the relationship is not conclusively understood [14].
- Macular degeneration, a common eye condition in the aging population, has been linked to diet, with proper nutrition and health-and-wellness a key factor in slowing its progression [15].
- A healthy lifestyle, including weight-management, food-and-drink choices, and regular exercise, can help prevent conditions like diabetes and NSCLC [16].
- Obesity is a prevalent issue in many countries, with predictive models often used to estimate the prevalence of obesity and related health conditions [17].
- Weight loss is not the only concern for those with obesity; it's also essential to focus on overall health and nutrition, such as incorporating additional vitamins and minerals into your diet [18].
- Science continues to uncover new insights into the complex relationship between lifestyle factors, such as food-and-drink choices, and chronic diseases like diabetes [19].
- In some cases, excessive coffee consumption can contribute to conditions like degeneration of the muscles and bones, particularly in older individuals [14].
- Psoriatic arthritis, a type of inflammatory arthritis, has been associated with the development of psoriasis [20].
- A symptom of ankylosing spondylitis is spine degeneration, which can lead to limited mobility and chronic pain [14].
- Maintaining a healthy weight through weight loss, appropriate nutrition, and regular exercise can help reduce the risk of developing degenerative conditions like atopic dermatitis and ankylosing spondylitis [21].
