So recently I’ve taken stock of all the things I’m doing differently and what could possibly have made me put on 15 kilos (33 Pounds) in a little over 3 years. I mean, that’s a lot.  I’ve gone up 4 dress sizes and no matter what I do I can’t lose it.  Then I discovered something crazy about my morning coffee.  Not only is the milk not helping my weight but even the caffeine is contributing.  WTF!!!

I know right!  Everyone says black coffee is ok, infact it actually helps you lose weight by boosting your metabolism (I think it’s just bloggers stealing each others stuff without really checking out the science for themselves). There’s plenty of websites, books and so called professionals taughting the benefits of coffee.  I’ve only been drinking coffee daily for a few years.  Prior to buying my Itlian expresso machine I had mostly tea at home and coffee when I went out.  Which was rare.  I did drink tea with milk but also consumed herbal teas.  I’d actually been wondering for a while if it was the coffee.  I changed from full cream to soy, to Almond and now to A2.  I’ve  cut out all sugar, chocolate and snacks at one point or another.  I’ve fasted, exercised, slept and mediated my way to a slim youthful physique, only to have none of it work.

Back to caffeine… So like all foods, caffeine has to be broken down, and we humans have a gene that does just that.  Only it differs in its ability in different people.   Dr Libby Weaver, biochemist and expert on women’s health,came out recently talking about the adverse effects of caffeine on our hormone system, specifically on our bodies production of adrenaline.   What’s so bad about that I hear you say.

Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is not typically associated with causing the body to store weight. In fact, adrenaline is a hormone that plays a crucial role in the body’s “fight or flight” response to stress or danger. When released, adrenaline prepares the body for immediate physical activity, increasing heart rate, boosting energy, and improving focus.

During the fight or flight response, the body mobilizes its energy reserves to meet the heightened demands. Adrenaline signals the release of stored glucose (glycogen) from the liver and muscles to provide a quick source of energy to cope with the perceived threat or stressor. This process allows the body to respond rapidly to the situation.

In some cases, long-term exposure to stress and chronic activation of the adrenaline response (such as in cases of chronic stress or anxiety) may lead to other hormonal changes that can indirectly influence weight gain. Here are a few ways chronic stress and related hormonal changes may contribute to weight gain:

1. Cortisol release- Chronic stress triggers the release of another stress hormone called cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels can increase appetite, leading to overeating and potential weight gain, especially if food choices tend to be high in calories and unhealthy.
2. Emotional eating- Prolonged stress and anxiety can lead to emotional eating as a coping mechanism, where individuals turn to food for comfort, often choosing high-calorie, sugary, or fatty foods.
3. Disrupted sleep- Chronic stress can lead to sleep disturbances, which can affect the body’s hunger-regulating hormones (ghrelin and leptin). Poor sleep can increase appetite and reduce satiety, leading to potential weight gain.
4. Fat storage preference- Some studies suggest that long-term stress can alter fat distribution in the body, favoring the accumulation of fat in the abdominal region, which is associated with increased health risks.

Author Libby Weaver, discusses the impact of caffeine on the nervous system and its potential effects on fat storage in her book “Rushing Woman’s Syndrome.” While caffeine does have various effects on the body, it’s essential to understand the context and nuances of these claims. Let’s delve into the biochemical aspects related to caffeine’s impact on the nervous system and fat storage:

 Nervous System and Caffeine

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It works by blocking the action of a neurotransmitter called adenosine, which promotes relaxation and sleepiness. When adenosine is blocked, the levels of other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, increase. These neurotransmitters play a role in enhancing alertness, focus, and energy levels.

Impact on Hormone

Caffeine stimulates the adrenal glands, leading to the release of stress hormones, particularly cortisol and adrenaline (epinephrine). The increase in cortisol levels can temporarily enhance the body’s metabolism and mobilize energy stores, which might include stored fats. This is why some people believe that caffeine can aid in fat burning.

Insulin Sensitivity

Some studies suggest that caffeine can affect insulin sensitivity, which is how responsive cells are to the effects of insulin in regulating blood sugar levels. Improved insulin sensitivity can support weight management by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells for energy instead of its conversion into fat storage. However, the relationship between caffeine and insulin sensitivity is complex, and more research is needed to fully understand its impact.

Adrenal Health

The chronic consumption of caffeine, especially in large amounts, can potentially strain the adrenal glands. Over time, this may lead to imbalances in the body’s stress response and cortisol regulation, which can impact metabolism, appetite, and fat storage.

Sleep and Fat Storage

Caffeine’s impact on sleep is an essential aspect to consider when discussing fat storage. Poor sleep quality and quantity have been associated with disruptions in hunger-regulating hormones (ghrelin and leptin) and increased cravings for unhealthy, calorie-dense foods. Consistently poor sleep patterns can contribute to weight gain or difficulty losing weight.

Individual Variability

It’s important to remember that individual responses to caffeine can vary widely. Some people may be more sensitive to caffeine’s effects, while others may tolerate it better. Factors like genetics, overall health, lifestyle, and caffeine consumption levels can influence how caffeine affects an individual.

So the relationship between caffeine and fat storage is multifaceted and not entirely straightforward. While caffeine’s short-term effects on metabolism and stress hormones might have some impact on fat mobilization, chronic consumption or excessive intake can lead to other factors that influence weight gain, such as disrupted sleep patterns and altered stress responses.