16 like 1 dislike
in General Factchecking by
Coffee has caffeine which can help increase your metabolism and help you lose weight.
by Novice (610 points)
1 0
Do you think people have started to create diets that involve large amounts of caffeine in an effort to lose weight?
by Newbie (220 points)
1 0
I agree that there is some truth to your statement. However, it is exaggerated and somewhat misleading because there is truth in the fact that drinking coffee can aide to a faster metabolism; but it does not directly affect weight loss
by Newbie (250 points)
0 0
While fact-checking this, I found the main source of all information within the article to be from the National Library of Medicine, which is a .gov website. Typically, government-operated websites like this are trustworthy, creating this claim's legitimacy, but what I didn't expect is that the website used by the National Library of Medicine is the world's largest medical library operated by the US federal gov.
by Newbie (390 points)
0 0
I can agree with this claim, but aren't their healthier/more beneficial ways of loosing weight? There is definitely a correlation between the two. The increase in metabolism was something new I didn't know about coffee.
by (110 points)
edited by
0 0
After reading and fact-checking this claim that Coffee increases your metabolism and helps you burn fat is primarily correct. This articles breaks down how caffeine and other supplements in coffee can increase your metabolic rate. The author also illustrates the science on how coffee breaks down fat and how caffeine works to do so. I believe this article is true because all of there claims are cited from a trusted government websites, pulled from the National Library of Medicine. The author makes a claim that coffee increases your metabolic rate and helps fat loss which they directly back up with a trusted source, so I believe that this claim is true.
by (100 points)
0 0
Agreed, Coffee boosts metabolism due to high caffeine content making you burn fat. It shows how caffeine breaks down and science behind it all. Also went in depth on how to balance caffeine, by incorporating exercise. This article was pulled from the Government National Library so it is trustworthy.
by (100 points)
0 0
After reading through the article I agree that coffee can help with weight loss, the article talked about how caffeine can increase your metabolism and about how coffee helps keep you awake so you can be more active. The article also cited a trusted government website which makes it easier to believe.
ago by Newbie (460 points)
0 0
This is an extremely well-done claim, especially the referenced source. The article is written by a trustworthy author, Kris Gunnars, who has a degree in medicine and also is the founder of Authority Nutrition. The highlight of this source is the multiple references to published articles by scholars, which strengthens how much the words and information weigh. Henry Ford Health also mentioned how caffeine can increase metabolism, and therefore aid with weight loss indirectly.

https://www.henryford.com/blog/2024/02/effects-of-caffeine-on-metabolism-what-you-should-know
ago by Newbie (280 points)
0 0
This article is a good article to use for this claim. The author sites his sources throughly throughout and the key source used is National Library of Medicine, which is a really good website to cite because it is a .org website, ensuring this article is factual:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7369170/ - here is the link to that website.
Looking into other websites and claims, they all share the same information that this article claims: caffeine helps to lose weight. Though I would argue it helps to lose weight mostly because it is an appetite suppressor, not necessarily because it increase's your metabolism.
Overall this is a good claim, I would add in more details to further support it but this is a good website to use to further back it.

25 Answers

3 like 0 dislike
by Novice (660 points)
selected by
 
Best answer
Although coffee does contain caffein, which has been linked to increases in metabolism, it isn't directly related to weight loss and cannot be relied on in the long term. When looking into this claim I started by finding the source of the author's information. Throughout the article the author does a good job of linking his sources, with the main source being the National Library of Medicine. When comparing this article to others with similar claims I found that they mostly shared a similar idea that when plain coffee is drank in moderation, your metabolism does increase, but not long term as a tolerance builds up. Seeing as the claim isn't the only one like it and others have similar thoughts on the topic, it is important to confirm the accuracy of this claim. The Natural Library of Medicine website is a .org meaning it is most likely a trustworthy cite. When researching the author I found he has a bachelor's degree in medicine from the University of Iceland, and has many papers in the nutrition space meaning he has viable experience is the appropriate field. The Article is relatively up to date with it last being updated at the end of 2023, and the editor and author committing to updating it over time. Overall the idea of the caffein in coffee increasing your metabolism is very well researched and proven, however the idea that coffee will lose you weight is blown out of proportion and only proven over a small amount of time

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/authors/kris-gunnars

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19324944/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coffee-increase-metabolism#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2
Exaggerated/ Misleading
ago by Novice (770 points)
0 0
You did a great job analyzing the credibility of the article and breaking down the claim! I agree that while caffeine can temporarily boost metabolism, it’s not a long-term weight loss solution since the body builds tolerance. I also like how you checked the author’s background and the reliability of the source as it’s important to consider where information is coming from. Also, I believe the National Library of Medicine is actually a .gov site, which makes it even more credible. Overall, your response is well-researched and thoughtful.
ago by Newbie (300 points)
0 0
I think overall you provided great information with great sources to back it up. the claim about how caffeine can speed up metabolism is a reliable claim and you even said it is not a good way to rely on losing weight. you gave facts, and then your opinion. overall, great job.
ago by Newbie (410 points)
0 0
This is a solid fact check. You provided strong evidence to backup your writing. You even went as far to give background information on the author. I also agree that coffee is not the best solution to lose weight long-term.
ago by Novice (790 points)
0 0
This answer, is very reliable. You added great sources that were able to back you up, thoroughly and provided also other information, like about how caffeine can speed metabolism. Great sources, and great job at providing more information and contexts.
ago by Newbie (420 points)
0 0
I really appreciate your fact check due to the fact that you provided readers with 3 sources to read through while reading your fact check. It is reliable and thoroughly thought out.
ago by Novice (680 points)
0 0
I really liked how thorough your fact check was and you had great sources.
7 like 0 dislike
by Apprentice (1.1k points)

I agree with your claim, it is scientifically proven that coffee does increase metabolism. Metabolism is how fast your body can convert food to energy for the body. Therefore the increase of metabolism turns food or fat into energy for your body resulting in weight loss. I agree with your source as it is very credible however, I also found that coffee increases your RMR and promotes fat loss found in Henry Ford Health. This source was reviewed and verifies by Allegra Picano RDN.

https://www.henryford.com/blog/2024/02/effects-of-caffeine-on-metabolism-what-you-should-know

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coffee-increase-metabolism#:~:text=In%20the%20short%20term%2C%20caffeine,and%20helps%20you%20eat%20less.

by Newbie (400 points)
0 0
I like what you said and I thought that the facts you made to start it was quite good, and added a lot to the factcheck.
I checked the source that you posted, and it backs your claim. As someone who drinks coffee I wouldn’t say that others who drink it use it to gain energy not so much to lose weight, but I thought your sources back your claim well. Overall great job on this!
by Newbie (220 points)
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I like how you brought up the science behind metabolism
by Apprentice (1.4k points)
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Well done finding an additional source beyond the one provided!
by Newbie (250 points)
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I find it interesting to wonder how someone with a largely built tolerance to caffeine is affected differently. How about factors like height and current weight?
by Apprentice (1.1k points)
0 0
Good work on this fact-check. I appreciate you including multiple pieces of citations. In addition, I liked how your claims showed how coffee can help with weight loss. One thing I would work on is to explain the validity of your sources.
by Newbie (370 points)
0 0
I appreciate the fact that you explained the biology regarding metabolism. Your point about credible sources like Henry Ford Health adds strength to your argument. I’d also like to add that Healthline highlights caffeine’s role in promoting thermogenesis, which could further enhance fat oxidation and calorie burning. Otherwise, you've clearly explained yourself and provided a strong argument.
ago by Newbie (300 points)
0 0
Your observation about coffee's impact on metabolism is well-supported by scientific research. Caffeine, a primary component of coffee, is known to stimulate the central nervous system, which can lead to an increase in metabolic rate. However, it's important to note that while caffeine can provide a temporary boost in metabolism, its effects may diminish over time due to tolerance. Relying solely on coffee for weight loss isn't recommended, a balanced diet and regular exercise are more important components of a healthy weight management plan.
ago by Newbie (420 points)
0 0
I like how in depth you went with your fact check. providing us with 2 sources helped me understand your reasoning on why you think this claim is true. I like how you provide an explanation on what metabolism exactly is.
ago by Newbie (300 points)
0 0
This is a great answer!! I like how in depth you answered about how coffee is linked to weight loss. Mentioning that coffee can increase the metabolism and therefore it can aid in weight loss really gets the point across in a believable way.
2 like 0 dislike
by Apprentice (1.2k points)

The scientific evidence regarding coffee's role in weight loss is kind of mixed. Most studies end up verifying that coffee does aid in weight loss with its effects on metabolism and appetite. Coffee might modestly aid weight loss through increased metabolism, fat oxidation and appetite suppression but its effects are limited and dependent on other factors like diet and activity level. But overall, I would say that this claim is true. 

Study findings: Critical reviews in food science and nutrition noted that caffeine can increase energy expenditure by 3-11% depending on the dose and individual response Oxidation which may promote fat oxidation which is the process of breaking down fat for energy.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/clipboard/

True
by Novice (930 points)
0 0
Your response shows attention to detail. The link you attached didn't work for me, but I may have found the same article which I linked below, which states that "Overall, the current meta-analysis demonstrated that caffeine intake might promote weight, BMI and body fat reduction."

I agree that this claim is true.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30335479/
by Novice (500 points)
0 0
I think you've done a really good job highlighting the nuanced role coffee can play in weight loss in your response. The detailed insights into metabolism, fat oxidation, and appetite suppression are really helpful and give your response more credibility.
by Apprentice (1.1k points)
0 0
Great response you have here. Noting that it only helps a little bit is crucial since this claim can be misleading at first sight. The only thing I say you should add is maybe one more source to help back your claim a little bit more. But overall great fact-check, and great attention to detail as well.
by Newbie (460 points)
0 0
I like that you included the study findings. Also I like how you talked about how yes coffee can aid in weight loss but theres other things that factor into that as well.
by Newbie (220 points)
0 0
I like how you added that there is some truth to the claim but also disagree with the claim as a whole
by (160 points)
0 0
I really like your response and how you recognized that the results found on this topic are mixed, which I think is something that's important to consider when factchecking. Unfortunately the link didn't work for me, but I think that you provided efficient insight!
by Novice (510 points)
0 0
You do a good job of considering both sides of the scientific evidence on coffee's role on weight loss which is important when evaluating an important claim. You have a very balanced view point and you cited a relevant study explaining the link between coffee and weight loss which adds credibility to your response. To make this fact check better, it would strengthen your feedback to mention why the evidence is inconsistent and what factors play into it. While you mention the potential positive effects of drinking coffee, it would be beneficial to include possible limitations or risks associated with consistently consuming caffeine everyday.
by Newbie (280 points)
0 0
I really liked your response to the claim as you explained how coffee can aid in weight loss with an overall answer to the original claim. Like someone else said, the link provided didn't work but I looked over the link they provided as your source which is highly reliable as it explains a study on the matter with evidence. Overall, I think your fact-check is very well assessed and I found it very helpful how you expanded on the matter by providing both the source and the study findings.
ago by Newbie (300 points)
0 0
You provide a good summary of the mixed evidence on coffee and weight loss. However, the link to the study appears to be broken, so it’s difficult to verify the source. It would help to include a proper citation or another reliable study to support the claim. Also, while caffeine can increase metabolism and fat oxidation, the long-term effects on weight loss depend on other factors like diet and exercise. Maybe clarifying that could strengthen your fact-check.
2 like 0 dislike
by Apprentice (1.0k points)

The claim that coffee has the power to increase metabolism and aid in weight loss is supported by research showing that caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, leading to increased metabolism and promoting the breakdown of fat cells. It can also enhance physical performance and endurance during exercise, aiding in weight management. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/coffee-beneficial-healthy-diet/

True
by Novice (760 points)
0 0
I like how you included a link to another source backing up the claim, especially since Harvard can usually be trusted as a reliable source. It might help to include some information about the article itself (the author, date, outside sources referenced) in order to provide a clearer picture of its reliability, aside from just summarizing the information.
by Newbie (380 points)
0 0
Your factcheck helped aid the claim and adding a reliable source made its show how caffeine could support weight loss. The claim didn't show reasoning but given and stating facts on how caffeine effects the body makes the claim dependable.
ago by Novice (770 points)
0 0
You make a strong argument by highlighting how caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and promotes fat breakdown. Coffee can enhance metabolism and even improve physical performance, which may contribute to weight management. I also appreciate that you included a source from Harvard, which adds credibility to your claim. Since the effects of caffeine can vary depending on individual tolerance and overall lifestyle, it’s important to recognize that coffee alone isn’t an absolute solution for weight loss. Still, your points are well-supported!
ago by Newbie (380 points)
0 0
This is a good breakdown of the claim, and you help to put it in simple terms which you backup by a supplementary source.
2 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (460 points)
I agree with your claim and your source supports it as well. However I do believe this is misleading because it does not take into account additional calories in coffee. According to the mayo clinic coffee can help boost metabolism but only plain black coffee not creamy and sugary coffee.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/expert-answers/calories/faq-20058100
Exaggerated/ Misleading
ago by Newbie (380 points)
0 0
This is an invaluable piece of information to add. Not knowing that to maintain the benefits the coffee must be plain black is misleading.
5 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (240 points)

I agree with your claim, yet I feel as though it is important to make a few distinctions. According to Henry Ford Health, caffeine is effective at increasing your metabolism and also stimulates epinephrine, a hormone involved in fat breakdown. Both of these changes will help you lose fat both while eating and passively throughout the day. However, coffee isn't nearly as effective with added creams, sugars, or anything else that might be on the Starbucks menu. Per Mayo Clinic, a plain cup of coffee has only 5 calories, yet that can double or triple by adding something as simple as a teaspoon of sugar or pump of syrup. So all this being said, yes coffee has the ability to help you lose weight, but it can just as easily go the other way with all the calories present in things people put into coffee regularly. Black coffee would be the most effective form for your weight-loss goals but if you just can't live without the sweeteners I'd recommend looking into zero or low calorie options to ensure you're not canceling out the intended results.

https://www.henryford.com/blog/2024/02/effects-of-caffeine-on-metabolism-what-you-should-know 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/expert-answers/calories/faq-20058100

True
by (160 points)
0 0
I really like your analysis on the claim and think it is very effective. I think that you did a good job recognizing the faults in this claim and stating the options that can help someone make this claim true for them
by Novice (940 points)
0 0
I like your breakdown of how caffeine is effective at increasing your metabolism and explaining how the hormone is stimulated. I also like how you used mayo clinic as your source and how that information could counteract the claim. It's true that coffee could help you lose weight, but the additives could be preventing that from happening. Great analysis!
by Newbie (280 points)
0 0
I think it's great how you expanded on the claim explaining that there are multiple factors going into how coffee can help with weight loss. You also provided 2 reliable sources as well as a specific solution for if anyone was looking to use coffee as a tool. You clearly did good research on the subject and your overall response is very insightful.
3 like 0 dislike
by Novice (800 points)

Coffee can help people lose weight. Multiple studies have been done, like one on PubMed, stated " the current meta-analysis demonstrated that caffeine intake might promote weight, BMI and body fat reduction." Other sources have shown that coffee increases metabolism " by 3%-11%" or "lose up to 4% of body fat". However, too much caffeine can to do harm to the human body, so coffee consumption needs to monitored and not excessively used. Also, coffee should not be considered a primary driver of fat loss because while caffeine and coffee may help, fat loss and metabolism increase may be temporary. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30335479/

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/four-cups-of-coffee-modest-loss-of-body-fat/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/expert-answers/calories/faq-20058100

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/study-finds-unsweetened-coffee-is-linked-to-weight-loss

0 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (260 points)

This isn't entirely true or false, it helps you lose weight but it's not a long term loss weight. That being said the way it helps with weight loss is because it causes urine production which helps with the loss of water weight. But drinking coffee regularly won't show big results of weigh loss. Some people saw 4 percent less fat mass. 

can-coffee-cause-weight-loss-by-affecting-appetite-and-digestion

0 like 0 dislike
by Newbie (320 points)

This is an interesting claim relating drinking coffee to losing weight by altering metabolism. Drinking coffee does help one lose weight in a way that it increases your metabolism. This goes to show what a metabolism does to your body and how it helps turn food into energy for our body. This article by Cleveland Clinic goes in depth of what metabolism does to your body and see what drinking coffee can do to you!

Metabolism: What It Is, How It Works & Disorders

1 like 0 dislike
by (160 points)

After looking into this claim further, I think that the claim that coffee helps you lose weight is mainly true. According to the article and additional sources, coffee increases metabolism because it is a stimulant that can boost your metabolic rate. However, something that I came across was the point that some coffees contain added sugars, syrups, or high calorie creamers, all having the opposite effect of losing weight. With that being said, I found other sources agreeing with the claim that it can help with weight loss, but the other factors like added sugars is definitely something to consider, which is something that the original article did not address

Does Caffeine Cause Weight Gain or Weight Loss? Experts Weigh In | Buoy

True
ago by Newbie (480 points)
0 0
I really like the way that you used additional sources to add clarification and nuance to the original claim despite upholding that it can be true. Adding more analysis on the original article's credibility as well as the credibility of your verification sources can in turn increase the credibility and strength of this response, but I otherwise agree with everything that you said here!
ago by Novice (770 points)
0 0
I really like how you acknowledged that coffee itself can have these beneficial effects but you also addressed the other ingredients that are typically put into coffee, which have opposing effects. This really helped clarify exactly why there is a debate on this topic. The only improvement I would have liked to see was a little more information on HOW coffee boosts your metabolism.
ago by Newbie (300 points)
0 0
I think you made a great point about how added sugars and high-calorie creamers can counteract the weight loss effects of coffee. A lot of people assume that just drinking coffee will help them lose weight, but if they’re adding tons of sugar and syrups, it could have the opposite effect. I also like that you looked at multiple sources to back up the claim. It might be interesting to see if there’s research on how long the metabolism-boosting effects of caffeine actually last, since some studies suggest it’s only temporary. I think you did a good job pointing out something the original article missed!

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