Coffee is the go-to drink for millions of people each day as a wake up call, an afternoon pick me up or just to start their day. While some might debate if coffee has other benefits than being a great source of energy, one thing is certain – does coffee make you gain weight? This question which so many have asked, and we are here today to answer it with facts. If you’ve ever wondered whether drinking coffee will add those extra pounds on the scale then keep reading. We’ll be exploring the research behind this controversy – from studying its effects on metabolism and appetite control to analyzing past studies – in order to figure out once and for all whether or not coffee can really cause weight gain.
Contents
- 1 Does Coffee Make You Gain Weight?
- 2 How Coffee Causes Weight Gain?
- 3 What Factors In Coffee Cause Weight Gain?
- 4 Different Types Of Coffee Affect Your Weight Gain
- 5 How To Drink Coffee Without Gaining Weight?
- 6 Benefits Of Drinking Coffee For Not Gaining Weight
- 7 Do You Need To Stop Drinking Coffee To Not Gain Weight?
- 8 Tips For Adding Coffee Into Your Diet Without Weight Gain
- 9 Coffee Recipes For Not Gaining Weight
- 10 Alternatives For Coffee Without Gaining Weight
- 11 Conclusion: Does Coffee Make You Gain Weight?
- 12 FAQs: Coffee Make Gain Weight
- 12.1 Will I gain weight if I drink iced coffee everyday?
- 12.2 Why do I feel fat after drinking coffee?
- 12.3 What happens to your body when you start drinking coffee everyday?
- 12.4 Does coffee make you fat or bloated?
- 12.5 Does cold coffee increase weight?
- 12.6 What happens if you only drink coffee and no food?
- 12.7 Does coffee make you fat?
- 12.8 Does black coffee make you gain weight?
- 12.9 Does drinking coffee everyday make you gain weight?
- 12.10 Does coffee with cream and sugar make you gain weight?
Does Coffee Make You Gain Weight?
Does coffee make you gain weight? Several studies have investigated the link between coffee consumption and weight gain, and the results are mixed. Some studies suggest that caffeine can boost metabolism, leading to increased calorie burn. Other studies have found that coffee can suppress appetite and may reduce total calorie intake. Both of these effects could theoretically lead to weight loss rather than weight gain.
How Coffee Causes Weight Gain?
After knowing does coffee make you gain weight? Despite the mixed research findings on the link between coffee consumption and weight gain, there are some plausible mechanisms through which coffee could promote weight gain.
There are a few ways that coffee can cause weight gain. First, it contains high levels of caffeine and other stimulants, which act on the brain to increase alertness and wakefulness. The increase in energy can lead people to eat more calories than they need throughout the day. This is especially true when combined with long hours of work or studying, resulting in an inability to log off and get some rest.
Another cause for weight gain is that coffee can influence your hormone levels, leading to an increase in appetite. Studies have shown that drinking coffee can lead to higher levels of ghrelin – the hunger hormone. This means that even if you are not hungry, your body may be telling you it wants more food than usual.
Lastly, coffee is often combined with added sugar or cream which can add empty calories to your diet that you may not need or want. This combination of sweet and bitter can be alluring but too much sugar in the long-term can lead to weight gain if it’s regularly part of your diet.
What Factors In Coffee Cause Weight Gain?
So, now that we know how coffee can potentially lead to weight gain, let’s look at the specific factors in coffee that could be causing this increase.
First and foremost is the caffeine content. As mentioned earlier, caffeine is a stimulant and increases alertness which can lead people to eat more calories than they need while they are working or studying. In terms of direct weight gain, the caffeine content in coffee can also lead to an increase in the metabolic rate. This means that your body is burning more energy and calories than usual which, if not offset by a decrease in calorie intake, can lead to weight gain over time.
The second factor is sugar. As mentioned earlier, coffee often comes with added sugar such as honey, sugar cubes or artificial sweeteners. This can add to the caloric content of your drink and over time can lead to weight gain if not kept in check.
Finally, there’s the milk or cream. While these additions may make your cup of joe more enjoyable, they also add calories that you may not need or want. This can lead to an increase in weight gain if you’re not careful.

Different Types Of Coffee Affect Your Weight Gain
Now that we’ve looked at the factors in coffee that can lead to weight gain, let’s take a look at how different types of coffee can affect your body.
- Instant Coffee: Instant coffee is typically made with higher levels of caffeine and sugar than regular brewed coffees. This means that drinking it regularly can contribute to an increase in calories and lead to weight gain.
- Espresso: Espresso has a much higher caffeine content than regular coffee. Studies have shown that the high levels of caffeine can increase your metabolism and lead to an increase in appetite, meaning you’ll be more likely to reach for second helpings or snacks throughout the day.
- Brewed Coffee: Brewed coffee, on the other hand, is made with a much lower caffeine content. This means that it won’t have as big of an effect on your metabolism or appetite and thus won’t cause you to gain weight as quickly.
- Black coffee: Black coffee is a great option if you’re trying to lose weight. Black coffee has no added sugar so it won’t add any extra calories to your diet and can actually help suppress your appetite.
- Milk-Based Coffees: Milk-based coffees such as lattes, cappuccinos and mochas can be delicious but they also tend to be high in calories. This makes them a poor choice if you’re trying to lose weight as the extra sugar and milk will add up quickly over time.
How To Drink Coffee Without Gaining Weight?
If you’re a coffee enthusiast, the good news is that there are ways to enjoy your cup of Joe without worrying about it affecting your waistline. Here are some tips and tricks to help you drink coffee without gaining weight:
- Use low-fat or skim milk and avoid creamers as much as possible. This way, you can still enjoy your coffee without adding too much extra calories.
- If you like to sweeten your coffee, opt for natural sugar alternatives such as honey or stevia.
- Switch from regular to decaf. Decaffeinated coffee still contains some caffeine, but it has significantly fewer calories than regular coffee so it’s a great option if you’re trying to lose weight.
- Avoid adding sugary syrups or sauces. If you want your coffee to be sweet, try mixing in a teaspoon of honey instead.
- Enjoy your coffee without snacks or sugary pastries. Coffee’s natural flavor is delicious enough that it doesn’t need any extra help from unhealthy snacks.

Benefits Of Drinking Coffee For Not Gaining Weight
When it comes to coffee and weight loss, there are some potential benefits that are worth noting. Caffeine has been shown to boost metabolism and increase fat burning, particularly in combination with exercise. This effect is due to caffeine’s ability to stimulate the central nervous system and release adrenaline, which can mobilize fatty acids from fat cells and use them as fuel. It can also improve athletic performance and endurance, allowing you to exercise longer and burn more calories.
Do You Need To Stop Drinking Coffee To Not Gain Weight?
The answer to whether you need to stop drinking coffee to lose weight is a nuanced one. It depends on various factors, including the amount and type of coffee you consume, your overall diet and lifestyle, and individual differences such as sensitivity to caffeine.
On the one hand, coffee can be a helpful addition to a weight loss plan for several reasons. As mentioned earlier, caffeine can boost metabolism and fat burning, which can aid in weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Additionally, coffee can provide an energy boost that can help you feel more alert and motivated to exercise, which can further support weight loss.
Tips For Adding Coffee Into Your Diet Without Weight Gain
If you’re a coffee lover, you don’t have to give up your favorite beverage to maintain a healthy weight. With these tips, you can add coffee into your diet without risking weight gain.
1. Stick to black coffee. This is the easiest way to keep the calorie count low. Black coffee has zero calories and is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage.
2. Choose a small cup. If you’re used to drinking large cups of coffee, try downsizing to a smaller cup. This will help you consume less coffee overall, which can reduce the risk of excessive caffeine intake and associated negative effects on sleep and appetite.
3. Avoid added sweeteners. Many coffee drinks contain added sugar, syrups, or honey, which can contribute to excess calories. Instead, try using natural sweeteners like Stevia or Monk Fruit sweetener that are low in calories, or skip the sweetener altogether.
4. Use non-dairy milk. If you like to add milk to your coffee, choose non-dairy options like almond milk, coconut milk, or unsweetened soy milk. These options are lower in calories and fat than regular milk, and can provide a creamy texture and nutty flavor.
5. Limit flavored syrups. Flavored syrups like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut can add a lot of calories to your coffee. If you must have a flavored coffee, ask for one pump instead of the usual two or three.
6. Be mindful of coffee shop drinks. Coffee shop drinks are often loaded with sugar and cream, leading to excess calories. If you can’t resist indulging occasionally, try ordering a small size or asking for fewer pumps of syrup.

Coffee Recipes For Not Gaining Weight
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy coffee without worrying about gaining weight, here are some delicious recipes to try:
- Cold Brew Coffee: Cold brew is a refreshing and low-calorie alternative to hot coffee. All you need is cold water and coarsely ground coffee beans. Let the mixture sit overnight and then strain it in the morning for a smooth and delicious cup of coffee.
- Iced Coffee: For an easy way to beat the heat, try making an iced coffee. Simply combine cold brew with ice and your favorite milk or cream alternative. You can also add a hint of sweetness with some stevia or honey for a refreshing summer treat.
- Bulletproof Coffee: This high-fat, low-calorie coffee beverage is perfect for those looking to lose weight. Simply mix a cup of black coffee with 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil for a creamy, frothy blend.
With these recipes in hand, you can enjoy your cup of Joe without worrying about gaining weight. Just remember to watch what you add to your coffee and opt for natural, low-calorie alternatives whenever possible.
Alternatives For Coffee Without Gaining Weight
If you’re still skeptical about drinking coffee and want to try some alternatives, there are plenty of options for a caffeine fix without all the calories. Here are few good options:
- Green Tea: Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee but is still a great source of antioxidants and can help with weight loss. Plus, it’s delicious hot or cold.
- Kombucha: If you’re looking for something with a little more fizz, try kombucha. It’s a fermented tea that contains probiotics and is full of flavor. Plus, it can be good for your gut health too.
- Matcha: Matcha is a type of green tea powder that has even more health benefits than regular green tea. It’s great for boosting metabolism and can help with weight loss.
- Herbal Tea: Herbal teas are a great way to relax and unwind without any of the caffeine in coffee. Plus, they come in so many delicious flavors.
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that everything in moderation is key. Enjoy your coffee in a smart and healthy way and you can still reap all the benefits without experiencing any of the dreaded weight gain.

Conclusion: Does Coffee Make You Gain Weight?
So, does coffee make you gain weight? The answer is it depends. While regular consumption of coffee can lead to increased caloric intake and thus weight gain over time, the same doesn’t necessarily have to be true. By drinking your coffee in a smart way – such as using low-fat milk or natural sugar alternatives – you can still enjoy all the benefits of your favorite brew without worrying about any extra pounds. And if you’re looking for an alternative to coffee, there’s plenty of other options that can help boost your energy and metabolism without the added calories.
FAQs: Coffee Make Gain Weight
Will I gain weight if I drink iced coffee everyday?
Contrary to popular belief, research suggests that drinking iced coffee alone does not contribute to weight gain. In fact, it might even support weight loss. Similarly, studies do not distinguish between hot and iced coffee when evaluating its effects on weight.
Why do I feel fat after drinking coffee?
Feeling fat after drinking coffee is a common issue that many coffee drinkers experience. However, it’s important to understand that coffee itself doesn’t cause weight gain. In fact, caffeine, the active ingredient in coffee, may actually help with weight loss by increasing metabolism and controlling appetite.
What happens to your body when you start drinking coffee everyday?
When a person starts drinking coffee every day, their body can experience both positive and negative effects. One of the most notable effects of coffee is increased energy levels due to the presence of caffeine, which is a central nervous system stimulant. This can provide a boost of mental and physical energy, increasing alertness, focus, and productivity.
Does coffee make you fat or bloated?
Yes, it can. Coffee functions as a natural laxative that activates the muscles in your digestive system, ultimately boosting bowel movements. Consequently, this can result in the production of gas, leading to uncomfortable bloating.
Does cold coffee increase weight?
Contrary to popular belief, consuming cold black coffee without milk or sugar can actually support weight loss. Imagine indulging in something you love without fearing weight gain. In addition to being delicious, non-fattening, cold black coffee can also contribute to shedding those extra pounds.
What happens if you only drink coffee and no food?
“Is your morning cup of coffee causing you digestive discomfort and hindering your productivity? It could be because you’re drinking it on an empty stomach. Studies have shown that consuming coffee without food can damage your stomach lining, causing indigestion, heartburn, and even increasing anxiety. But don’t worry, there’s a solution. Try sipping your coffee during mid-morning or early afternoon for optimal results.”
Does coffee make you fat?
No, coffee itself does not lead to weight gain. In fact, it can even help with weight loss by increasing metabolism and suppressing appetite. However, it’s important to note that coffee can disrupt sleep, which may contribute to weight gain. Furthermore, certain coffee drinks and commonly paired snacks contain a high amount of calories and added sugar.
Does black coffee make you gain weight?
No, plain black coffee does not cause weight gain. Instead, it can actually promote weight loss by curbing hunger and boosting metabolism. However, keep in mind that adding sweeteners to your black coffee may lead to weight gain.
Does drinking coffee everyday make you gain weight?
The answer lies in what you add to it. Coffee itself is not responsible for weight gain, but be cautious of added sweeteners and artificial flavors. If you stick to a moderate consumption of 4-5 cups a day, you can enjoy your coffee without worry.
Does coffee with cream and sugar make you gain weight?
Discover how common coffee additives like creamer, sugar, syrups, and milk can hinder weight loss due to their high calorie, fat, and sugar content.

Joe Redburn is the founder of two iconic Salt Lake City gay bars, Club 90 and Trax. He was also responsible for bringing the beer to what became the first Utah Pride celebration. Joe has been a fixture in Utah’s LGBTQ community for over four decades, and his bars have been central gathering places for generations of queer people.