Researchers from a well-known Spanish university conducted a large study to understand how coffee affects body weight. The investigation tracked unsweetened coffee and its impact on metabolism, energy expenditure, and daily activity. Clearer, more actionable takeaways emerged as the team examined caffeinated and decaffeinated varieties, as well as common additions like sugar, milk, cream, and alternative sweeteners. The findings were summarized in reports that highlight a potential weight-management advantage for people who choose coffee without added sugar.
Involved participants numbered around 155 thousand individuals who were surveyed about their eating habits, current weight, and health status. The researchers collected data on how much coffee each person consumed, whether sugar or other additives were used, and whether caffeine was present in the beverage. The analysis looked at patterns over time, contrasting those who drank coffee with sugar and/or cream against those who drank unsweetened coffee, with and without milk, and whether they consumed it caffeinated or decaffeinated.
Over a four-year period, the weight trajectories differed according to the way coffee was prepared and consumed. Participants who consistently drank coffee with a teaspoon of sugar tended to gain a small amount of weight, approximately 0.09 kg, while those who added milk or cream largely maintained their previous weight. Meanwhile, a group that drank a cup of unsweetened coffee every day, without milk, showed an average weight loss of about 0.12 kg over the same four-year span. These changes point to metabolic and behavioral mechanisms that may contribute to weight outcomes when coffee is consumed without added sugar.
Experts suggest that the observed effects are connected to coffee’s ability to modestly raise calorie burn by speeding up metabolic processes. The stimulant properties of caffeine appear to activate the sympathetic nervous system to a degree that supports increased physical movement and activity. As a result, daily energy expenditure may rise, contributing to the observed weight changes in some individuals. These insights align with broader discussions about how small, consistent dietary choices can influence long-term weight management.
Ultimately, researchers concluded that increasing the intake of unsweetened, caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee could support weight loss or weight maintenance for many people. In contrast, coffee with added sugar does not appear to provide the same benefits for shedding extra pounds. The takeaway emphasizes a simple, actionable choice: coffee without sugar can be compatible with a weight-conscious lifestyle, while sugary versions may undermine those goals. These conclusions have been noted in follow-up summaries and discussions of coffee’s role in daily health, as reported by health-focused outlets and researchers in the field. NewsMedial reporting highlights this nuance, urging readers to consider how they prepare their coffee as part of a broader dietary strategy.
Alongside the main findings, readers often wonder about practical daily routines. For instance, how many cups of coffee fit into a healthy pattern without tipping balance toward excess caffeine? While individual tolerance varies, some experts recommend moderation and mindful customization—favoring unsweetened varieties and paying attention to total caloric intake from other sources. The dialogue around coffee and weight is ongoing, with researchers encouraging people to observe personal responses and align coffee choices with overall energy needs, activity levels, and wellness goals. The evolving science remains attentive to different populations, coffee brands, and preparation methods, underscoring that small adjustments can yield meaningful results over time. The topic continues to be revisited in nutrition discussions and habit-forming guidance from medical and health outlets. An ongoing conversation in the field reinforces that unsweetened coffee is a practical ally for weight management for many people, while sugary preparations may counteract those benefits.