Doctor Explains the “Coffee Belly” Myth
- “Coffee belly” is widely discussed on social media.
- A gastroenterologist explains that coffee itself does not cause fat deposits.
- Caffeine temporarily raises cortisol—a normal physiological response.
- Risk arises when coffee is combined with stress, poor sleep, and unhealthy eating.
- Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can lead to overeating later.
- Lattes, raf, mocha, and other add-ins contain hundreds of calories.
- 3-4 cups of coffee daily are safe for most adults.
“Coffee belly” is increasingly discussed on social media. Many believe that regular coffee consumption leads to belly fat accumulation. However, doctors note that coffee itself is not the cause of weight gain.
Gastroenterologist Natalya Rusantsova from SM-Clinic explained that coffee cannot directly cause fat deposition. If it did, the problem would be observed in every coffee lover.
Caffeine and Cortisol: A Normal Response
Caffeine temporarily raises cortisol levels—the stress hormone. For healthy individuals, this is a normal physiological reaction. Hormone levels return to normal shortly after. For most people, this effect poses no danger.
However, risk arises when coffee consumption is combined with chronic stress, lack of sleep, disrupted eating patterns, and low physical activity. In such conditions, cortisol levels can remain elevated for much longer. This contributes to the accumulation of visceral fat around internal organs.
Coffee on an Empty Stomach and Overeating
Many people drink coffee on an empty stomach or replace a full breakfast with it. After a temporary decrease in appetite, a strong feeling of hunger often arises. This leads to overeating and the consumption of high-calorie foods.
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Caffeine + chronic stress | Prolonged cortisol elevation, visceral fat accumulation |
| Coffee on an empty stomach | Appetite suppression, followed by strong hunger and overeating |
| Coffee drinks with additives | Lattes, raf, mocha contain hundreds of calories per serving |
| Lack of sleep | Enhanced stress response, metabolic disruption |
| Low physical activity | Slowed metabolism, fat accumulation |
Coffee Drinks with Additives: Hidden Calories
Coffee drinks with additives play a separate role. Lattes, raf, mocha, and other drinks with cream, syrups, and sugar can contain several hundred kilocalories in a single serving. In this case, the cause of weight gain is the additional ingredients, not the coffee itself.
Doctor’s Recommendations
The doctor recommends that people experiencing weight gain first pay attention to their lifestyle, sleep patterns, diet, and physical activity. In the absence of contraindications, consuming 3-4 cups of coffee per day is considered safe for most adults.
