Coffee consumption linked to potential weight loss and reduced diabetes risk, suggests research

A new study suggests that drinking coffee, which is a rich source of caffeine, may help reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and curb the amount of body fat. Researchers from Imperial College London found that people who carry genetic variants associated with slower caffeine metabolism drink less coffee on average but have higher levels of caffeine in their blood than people who metabolize it quickly to achieve its stimulant effects.
 
The study, published in the journal BMJ Medicine, concluded that the speed at which coffee is metabolized by the body may impact weight. To investigate this further, the study looked at the role of two common genetic variants of the CYP1A2 and AHR genes in nearly 10,000 people of predominantly European ancestry.
 
The CYP1A2 and AHR genes are associated with the speed of caffeine metabolism in the body. The results of the analysis showed that people with higher plasma caffeine levels enjoyed a lower body mass index (BMI) and body fat, alongside a lower risk of developing type two diabetes.
 
According to Dipender Gill, clinical scientist at Imperial College London, “Ninety-five percent of your caffeine is metabolized by an enzyme. Two genes – CYP1A2 and AHR – affect the function and level of that enzyme.” Using these genetic variants, the team found that slower metabolizers have higher plasma (blood) caffeine levels, and those with higher plasma levels go on to have a lower BMI and risk of diabetes.
 
“It’s the plasma caffeine that’s doing that,” Gill noted. However, the team stated that further research is needed because caffeine has been associated with lower sleep quality and increased palpitations.
 
In conclusion, the study suggests that the speed at which coffee is metabolized by the body may impact weight and risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. People who carry genetic variants associated with slower caffeine metabolism and have higher levels of caffeine in their blood enjoy a lower BMI and body fat, as well as a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. While these findings are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the impact of caffeine on health.