Study Finds Link Between Higher Caffeine Levels and Reduced Risk of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
A new study has concluded that having higher levels of caffeine in the blood may be linked to a reduced risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The research – conducted by Imperial College London – used a statistical technique called Mendelian randomization to evaluate the impact of long-term plasma caffeine levels on adiposity, CVD, and type 2 diabetes.[0] The findings, which were published in the journal BMJ Medicine, suggest that people with genetic variants associated with slower caffeine metabolism drink less coffee on average, yet have higher levels of caffeine in their blood than people who metabolise it quickly.[1]
The study looked at the role of two common genetic variants of the CYP1A2 and AHR genes in nearly 10,000 people of predominantly European ancestry who were taking part in six long-term studies.[2] Mendelian randomization, a statistical technique, was employed by the researchers to explore the association between a trait and an outcome.[3]
Caffeine is known to boost metabolism, increase fat burning, and reduce appetite, and a daily intake of 100 mg has been estimated to increase energy expenditure by around 100 calories a day, which could consequently lower the risk of developing obesity.[4]
Dr. Pate from Imperial College London said, “As of now, I would not recommend people start drinking caffeine as a method to reduce their diabetic risk.”[5] Rather than that, she suggests that individuals concentrate on frequent exercise and proper nutrition, both of which are proven to lower the chance of type 2 diabetes.
The study has some limitations, including the use of only two genetic variants and the inclusion of only people of European ancestry.[6] Moreover, the researchers point out that it is difficult to isolate any particular effects of caffeine from the various other compounds that are present in caffeinated drinks and foods.[7]
Nevertheless, the research team concluded that higher blood caffeine levels appear to reduce the risks for both adiposity and type 2 diabetes. While further research is needed to establish any causal links, people should focus on engaging in regular physical exercise and maintaining a nutritious diet to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
0. “Caffeine could reduce body fat and cut diabetes risk, scientists say” Fortune, 15 Mar. 2023, https://fortune.com/well/2023/03/15/coffee-caffeine-body-fat-obesity-diabetes-study/
1. “Higher blood caffeine levels may reduce weight, risk of type 2 diabetes” New Atlas, 16 Mar. 2023, https://newatlas.com/health-wellbeing/higher-blood-caffeine-levels-reduce-weight-risk-type-2-diabetes/
2. “Caffeine may reduce body fat and risk of type 2 diabetes, study suggests” The Guardian, 15 Mar. 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/mar/14/caffeine-may-reduce-body-fat-and-risk-of-type-2-diabetes-study-suggests
3. “Caffeine Might Reduce the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity” Gizmodo, 14 Mar. 2023, https://gizmodo.com/caffeine-type-2-diabetes-obesity-larsson-woolf-gill-1850225951
4. “Drinking 3 cups of coffee everyday could curb obesity, prevent diabetes” Study Finds, 15 Mar. 2023, https://studyfinds.org/3-cups-of-coffee-obesity-diabetes/
5. “Three Cups of Coffee a day may help reduce body fat and Diabetes Risk” Dunya News, 16 Mar. 2023, https://dunyanews.tv/en/Health/707485-3-Cups-of-Coffee-a-day-may-help-reduce-body-fat-and-Diabetes-Risk
6. “Higher plasma caffeine levels may reduce adiposity and risk of type 2 diabetes” News-Medical.Net, 15 Mar. 2023, https://www.news-medical.net/news/20230315/Higher-plasma-caffeine-levels-mayt-reduce-adiposity-and-risk-of-type-2-diabetes.aspx
7. “Caffeine linked to lower BMI and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes” New Scientist, 15 Mar. 2023, https://www.newscientist.com/article/2364583-caffeine-linked-to-lower-bmi-and-reduced-risk-of-type-2-diabetes/
