Caffeine in Your Blood Might Affect Body Fat And Diabetes Risk, Study Says
ScienceAlert • • health
Key Points:
- A 2023 study found that higher genetically predicted plasma caffeine concentrations are associated with lower BMI and body fat mass, which in turn reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- The research involved nearly 10,000 people and used Mendelian randomization to link caffeine metabolism genes (CYP1A2 and AHR) to caffeine levels, body mass, and diabetes risk.
- No significant relationship was found between caffeine levels and cardiovascular diseases such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure, or stroke.
- Researchers suggest caffeine may reduce fat by increasing thermogenesis and fat oxidation, but long-term effects of caffeine intake remain unclear and require further randomized controlled trials.
- The study highlights the potential of calorie-free caffeinated drinks as a tool to reduce obesity and type 2 diabetes risk but cautions that caffeine’s overall health impacts are complex and need careful consideration.