Caffeine for Fat Loss

Caffeine as a Thermogenic

Caffeine is used as a popular stimulant in many forms, including coffee, tea and energy drinks. Caffeine, as well as caffeine-containing botanicals, are used in weight loss supplements, as caffeine increases both the breakdown of fat (lipolysis) and calorie burning (thermogenesis), after consumption. Botanical sources of caffeine include guarana, kola nut, cacao, and green, black or white tea.

Caffeine Improves Body Composition

Caffeine causes muscle cells to utilise a greater amount of fat than would otherwise be used during training. It causes fatty acids to be released from muscle tissue to sustain endurance work, whilst sparing muscle glycogen loss. Consequently, glycogen is made available in the latter stages of a workout, enabling the athlete to train longer. Caffeine as a supplement makes lipolysis, the breakdown of adipose tissue, occur faster. This occurs as caffeine's metabolite paraxanthine mobilises fatty acids to be used for energy in place of glycogen. Caffeine can also improve the thermogenic effect of food, which means increased total energy usage and resultant weight loss.

Caffeine For Fat Loss

Caffeine is widely used in fat loss supplements for the reasons discussed above. Many studies have demonstrated that caffeine and thermogenic supplements enhance the loss of fat. As we adapt to the amount of caffeine we consume, the number of receptor sites that caffeine binds to in our central nervous system is increased, then we require more caffeine over time to achieve the same stimulus that was experienced in earlier stages. For this reason, when using fat loss supplements with caffeine, it is worth reducing your dietary caffeine intake whilst supplementing with this substance. It is also worth cycling caffeine supplements. A suggested cycle would be 4-6 weeks on, with a 2-4 week break before recommencing caffeine supplements.