Caffeine is the main ingredient in most fat burners found in the market. But is there enough scientific research to support coffee as a fat-burning agent?
It is common for many people to drink black coffee before they go to the gym, run, swim, or dance. Across the world, coffee is well-known for its ability to boost energy and is the most consumed stimulant in the world. It contains biologically active substances such as caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, and chlorogenic acid, which work together to provide the energy boost you need to exercise. Theobromine and theophylline are the main stimulants in cocoa and are found in small amounts in coffee. Of the four stimulants, caffeine has been studied extensively. The beverage is known to boost metabolism and mobilise fats from adipose cells. In fact, caffeine is the main ingredient in most fat burners found in the market.
But is there enough scientific research to support coffee as a fat-burning agent?
Caffeine and increased metabolism
RMR, or resting metabolic rate, is a measure of the calories you burn at rest. A person’s RMR is the most significant factor in determining how quickly and easily they can lose weight. A higher RMR directly correlates to easier weight loss. In 1989, a research study observed that 100 mg of caffeine increased the RMR of lean and post-obese volunteers by 3 to 4 per cent, and repeated doses at two-hour intervals over 12 hours increased energy expenditure by 8 to 11 per cent for both groups.
