Does coffee really do this?

[Cameron_R]

This is the first time I've heard coffee mentioned in this context ....

http://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/wellbeing/top-tips-for-a-trim-tummy-20110314-1btcg.html

"For example diet soft drinks and black coffees, while they don't have a lot of calories in them, caffeine increases cortisol which is a stress hormone which makes us store belly fat, visceral fat,"

The rest of the article is very basic stuff that makes sense. I just haven't heard coffee/caffeine mentioned in relation to fat retention before.

Is this correct?

[ThePman]

Any time a mainstream news source or 'personal trainer' mentions cortisol, it's almost always horribly wrong.

What I'm saying is, ignore anything you read about cortisol.

Coffee is awesome and don't let anybody tell you different.

[nate225]

^ what he said.

Caffeine acts as a (poor) stimulant but can increase HR etc and increase fat burning via increased energy usage.

[Cameron_R]

phew!

[Ronin]

And it's yummy

[Cameron_R]

and I'm addicted to it

[rovr4on]

i remember reading that there is a close relationship between stress and excess fat, as apparently when your stressed out you produce a chemical (don't remember what it was but i don't think it was cortisol) and this chemical that is produced is easily used by the body as a form of energy. If this energy isn't used then it gets stored as fat. They used the example of back when we were cave men and something outrageous happened like sabre tooth encounter, our body becomes stressed and releases this chemical to use as energy to then have the ability to fight or run from the sabre. That's why stress in modern day doesn't necessarily lead to the use of extra physical energy and therefore this chemical is stored as fat. Wish I remembered the name of it, but when they discuss coffee in such a situation, I think it is because if you lead a naturally stressed lifestyle then coffee can increase the stress and so on. Sorry about the vague explanation :pfft:

[jimjim83]

i remember reading that there is a close relationship between stress and excess fat, as apparently when your stressed out you produce a chemical (don't remember what it was but i don't think it was cortisol) and this chemical that is produced is easily used by the body as a form of energy. If this energy isn't used then it gets stored as fat. They used the example of back when we were cave men and something outrageous happened like sabre tooth encounter, our body becomes stressed and releases this chemical to use as energy to then have the ability to fight or run from the sabre. That's why stress in modern day doesn't necessarily lead to the use of extra physical energy and therefore this chemical is stored as fat. Wish I remembered the name of it, but when they discuss coffee in such a situation, I think it is because if you lead a naturally stressed lifestyle then coffee can increase the stress and so on. Sorry about the vague explanation :pfft:

Where are you getting this info!!!

[rovr4on]

i remember reading that there is a close relationship between stress and excess fat, as apparently when your stressed out you produce a chemical (don't remember what it was but i don't think it was cortisol) and this chemical that is produced is easily used by the body as a form of energy. If this energy isn't used then it gets stored as fat. They used the example of back when we were cave men and something outrageous happened like sabre tooth encounter, our body becomes stressed and releases this chemical to use as energy to then have the ability to fight or run from the sabre. That's why stress in modern day doesn't necessarily lead to the use of extra physical energy and therefore this chemical is stored as fat. Wish I remembered the name of it, but when they discuss coffee in such a situation, I think it is because if you lead a naturally stressed lifestyle then coffee can increase the stress and so on. Sorry about the vague explanation :pfft:

Where are you getting this info!!!

It's from an article I read about a year ago..hence why I dont remember the chemical...wish I did, or could remember where i read it...

[devil_911]

blame it on stress/cortisol aye :wink:

Weight Gain-Often stress is related to weight gain and obesity.people develop cravings for salt, fat, and sugar to counteract tension and, thus, gain weight

Weight Loss-Some people suffer a loss of appetite and lose weight.stress may trigger hyperactivity of the thyroid gland, stimulating appetite but causing the body to burn up calories at a faster than normal rate.

[Dubble_D]

i remember reading that there is a close relationship between stress and excess fat, as apparently when your stressed out you produce a chemical (don't remember what it was but i don't think it was cortisol) and this chemical that is produced is easily used by the body as a form of energy. If this energy isn't used then it gets stored as fat. They used the example of back when we were cave men and something outrageous happened like sabre tooth encounter, our body becomes stressed and releases this chemical to use as energy to then have the ability to fight or run from the sabre. That's why stress in modern day doesn't necessarily lead to the use of extra physical energy and therefore this chemical is stored as fat. Wish I remembered the name of it, but when they discuss coffee in such a situation, I think it is because if you lead a naturally stressed lifestyle then coffee can increase the stress and so on. Sorry about the vague explanation :pfft:

Where are you getting this info!!!

It's from an article I read about a year ago..hence why I dont remember the chemical...wish I did, or could remember where i read it...

Sounds like the 'fight or flight' response. In this case it would be adrenalin released. I have read a similar article, however it was regarding the stressful lives we as modern humans live casing degeneration of bodily functions. Long term instead of the short term it was intended to be.

[milkisforbabies]

Hmmm read this as real and was a bit worried. I love the caffeine, a black coffee before the gym is a ritual.

[Riccardo]

LOL @ small amounts of caffeine causing increases in cortisol a typical soft drink has less than 200mg of caffeine In think. In any case only chronically elevated cortisol levels really have an effect. It's highly catabolic although acute increases in cortisol will not have any effect which is why I never really bought into the whole "train longer than an hour and cortisol will disolve your gains away" myth.

[Fit4Life]

Makes another cup of steaming black coffee... mmmmmmmm

Old skool says : it rocks no question about it.

NB: Attached pic holds no links to current coffee debate

[becbec]

An increase in the autonomic nervious system which causes an increased response in the sympathetic nervous system, e.g. fight or flight. It releases adrenaline and the glycogen stored in your muscles and liver is released. I'm guessing maybe this is what you're referring to as increased fat as if the energy isn't used, I guess it's stored as fat. It's not until your body relalises that the adrenaline released is not enough to do whatever you're doing that cortisol is released, so in my opinion I doubt coffee could stimulate the ANS enough to release cortisol. I agree with Riccardo - your training will cause the increase in cortisol levels, not coffee.

[ThePman]

Funny enough, research into trauma victims and bedrest patients given high levels of hydrocortisone (to mimic the response to trauma) don't show any loss of muscle protein if they're given a decent diet and keep up a little muscle-loading activity.

Don't know why people think that stuff which causes a fraction of that cortisol level, for a fraction of the time, matters at all. Cortisol isn't the enemy and it's highly overrated as a muscle-wasting hormone.

[nate225]

Funny enough, research into trauma victims and bedrest patients given high levels of hydrocortisone (to mimic the response to trauma) don't show any loss of muscle protein if they're given a decent diet and keep up a little muscle-loading activity.

Don't know why people think that stuff which causes a fraction of that cortisol level, for a fraction of the time, matters at all. Cortisol isn't the enemy and it's highly overrated as a muscle-wasting hormone.

Try using Cytadren (Aminoglutethimide) then tell me a little cortisol isn't a good thing! :pfft: :pfft: :grin: When your joints start seizing & you need to trade your ibuprofen for demerol you'll recognise that cortisol in the right amounts is a very positive thing! :nod:

[Pseudonym]

Good post Becbec. That makes sense, at least to a layman like me. :nod:

[Gym rat]

I also love a good thick black coffee before I hit the gym plus it gives me a good caffine buzz before I train.

[Andre01]

I would love to be able to have coffee before the gym, but with my ADHD it does not work. Instead if I am pushing myself I can become very manic. What I do find with coffee is that it puts me to sleep. Strong coffee before bed, best night sleep.

[Fit4Life]

I would love to be able to have coffee before the gym, but with my ADHD it does not work. Instead if I am pushing myself I can become very manic. What I do find with coffee is that it puts me to sleep. Strong coffee before bed, best night sleep.

yeah i find that too (puts me to sleep part) very relaxing effect.

Nice to know its not just me