What's with this coffee and lemon juice weight loss trend that's taken the internet by storm? Start drinking coffee and lemon every morning on an empty stomach thank me later. Coffee and lemon have their health benefits separately, but when they're mixed, they become super beneficial for our health. Sound too good to be true? It might just be. Let's dig into the magic drink, its origins, and its actual effects.
The Trend Exploded on TikTok
The coffee and lemon juice trend started gaining popularity on TikTok about a year ago. Some TikTok accounts promoted the idea that mixing lemon juice into coffee could help you lose weight. One viral video even spliced footage from Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler, a popular TikToker known for reacting to medical claims, making it seem like he endorsed this drink. The video has since been deleted, but the trend has already taken off.
How Trends Begin
Weight loss trends often start with influencers. A well-known personality sells an idea, and before you know it, everyone believes it's a magical solution. If this trend is based on fake endorsements, why do so many people claim it works? Let's examine some common claims.
Claims of the Coffee and Lemon Juice Combo
Appetite Suppression
Caffeine in coffee can help with short-term appetite suppression. Some people report that after drinking this combo, they don't feel hungry and don't crave anything. Studies suggest that caffeine can curb your appetite, but results vary due to genetics and existing coffee habits.
The key factor here isn't the caffeine or lemon but the calorie deficit. If you consume fewer calories than you burn, you will lose weight. This is why calorie counting is crucial for weight loss. Even those who rave about this drink on TikTok often talk about maintaining a calorie deficit.
Not Feeling Hungry
Even if caffeine keeps you from feeling hungry, it’s usually a short-term effect. You might skip or eat a lighter breakfast, but end up eating more later in the day to make up for it. A study showed that participants who skipped meals early in the day ended up eating more later on.
Dramatic Weight Loss Claims
Initial weight loss claims are often tied to water weight. When people start a weight loss journey, they usually experience a substantial drop in water weight in the first one to two weeks. After that, progress slows down.
Diuretic Effect
Caffeine and citric acid act as mild diuretics, making you pee more. While this might lower your weight temporarily, you're losing water, not fat. Some even report nausea and diarrhea, especially when drinking this combo on an empty stomach. These symptoms cause lower weight readings but are not sustainable or healthy.
Metabolism Boosting Claims
You've heard that caffeine speeds up metabolism. Research shows caffeine can increase metabolism by 3-11%, but only temporarily. The actual increase is about 3-4% for one to two hours post-intake. An 8-11% increase in required caffeine intake every two hours for 12 hours, which is unrealistic and unhealthy. Moreover, doctors recommend limiting caffeine to 400 milligrams a day.
The Role of Lemon
Some say the citric acid in lemon speeds up metabolism, but there’s no solid research to back this. Citric acid is common in many fruits, and lemon isn’t unique. Its low calorie count might be the only minor benefit it adds.
In the end, there's no magic behind the coffee and lemon juice combination. It’s a catchy trend, similar to bulletproof coffee and detox teas. These trends follow a hype formula, often promoted by influencers, but the reality is usually more complex.
The Hype Formula
Weight loss drinks like coffee and lemon juice catch on because they fit a familiar pattern. They promise easy and quick results, delivered with endorsement from influencers or cherry-picked studies. But the truth is more nuanced.
Our Badass Body Boss students often ask us about these trends. The answer almost always reveals a more complicated reality. If you're curious about what actually helps boost metabolism, we've got you covered.
What Actually Boosts Metabolism?
Yes, some habits can help boost your metabolism effectively. Here are the top factors to focus on:
- Regular Exercise: Strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are particularly effective.
- Balanced Diet: Eating enough protein and fiber can help maintain a healthy metabolism.
- Adequate Sleep: Poor sleep patterns can hinder metabolic function.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water supports metabolic processes.
If you want to stack multiple metabolism-boosting habits, prioritize these over trendy, short-term solutions. For a deeper dive into the top habits that actually work, check out our video that lists the most effective methods in priority order.
In conclusion, while drinks like coffee and lemon juice might offer short-term effects, sustainable weight loss comes from lifestyle changes involving diet, exercise, and overall wellness.