While fitness influencers tout energy drinks as metabolism stimulants, experts reveal whether these beverages actually help you shed pounds. While some energy drinks claim to provide a quick energy and metabolism lift, experts caution that depending on them for weight loss may not be effective. August 21, 2024
Energy drinks have taken on a new role. Now, in the hands of gym-goers and fitness influencers, they are being used not just to help you stay up but also to slim down.
While many energy drinks pack a lot of sugar (and thus calories), low-calorie options have flourished. Some brands suggest that choosing their low-calorie drink over a sugary option can aid in weight management.
Others go further, claiming the drinks help boost metabolism and enhance fat burning. But can energy drinks really help you shed pounds? Here’s what some experts say. Drink up to slim down?
“Any kind of caffeinated drink will increase metabolism in the short term,” says Andrew Jagim , a sports medicine specialist at the Mayo Clinic and one of the authors of the International Society of Sports Nutrition’s position on energy drinks. The problem is that a daily intake of 100mg of caffeine is estimated to burn 100 calories a day. “It’s probably not going to be enough to really move the needle in terms of substantial fat loss over time,” says Jagim.
Jeffrey Stout , an exercise physiologist at the University of Central Florida who has conducted studies for an energy drink brand, adds, “energy drinks seem to have limited effect as a weight loss aid when used alone but appear to be more effective when combined with exercise.”
So, while there is support for these companies to say their drinks boost metabolism, the results are far from dramatic, says Lena Bakovic , a registered dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching. “There is no correlation between energy drink consumption and weight loss at this time,” she says.
( Losing weight leads to better health? Not necessarily .)
For most energy drinks, caffeine is the main active ingredient, often mixed with taurine, glucuronolactone , guarana, and B vitamins, to create what manufacturers […]
Can energy drinks really boost your metabolism? Here’s what the science says.
