It is estimated that 65% of American adults consume coffee every day, according to theNational Coffee Association.

Beyond its irresistible sensory experience, many people drink coffee to kick-start their day.

But your daily cup ofcoffee may do more to your bodythan simply promote wakefulness and productivity.

a photo of coffee mugs with different amounts of milk in them

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Depending on how and when you prepare your coffee, it may affect weight management.

In fact, “it’s what you put in the coffee that matters.

A 2018 review published inRisk Management and Healthcare Policylooked at the relationship between coffee intake and sleep.

The researchers noted that when coffee is consumed six hours before bedtime, it significantly interferes with sleep.

In turn, you may lose an hour or two of shut-eye.

But how does this relate to weight gain?

Replacing high-calorie beverages with low-calorie beverages like black coffee can help to reduce your caloric intake.

“Coffee contains a polyphenol (or plant compound) called chlorogenic acid.

Chlorogenic acid stimulates the release of insulin and helps reduce blood sugar spikes after meals.

However, more research is needed on these benefits.

The researchers found that this fat-burning effect was more enhanced in sedentary or untrained individuals than in trained athletes.

Therefore, caffeine intake paired with exercise may aid in weight loss for sedentary individuals.

*Enjoy jazzed-up java in moderation.

“Save specialty coffee drinks with extra cream, sugar or syrups for special occasions,” Rasmussen shares.

*Choose low-calorie additives and natural sweeteners.

However, there are caveats to coffee consumption.

It’s also important to consider the time of day you consume coffee to help manage your weight.

This way, it’s possible for you to still enjoy coffee without worrying about weight gain.

“No, caffeine does not directly cause belly fat.

The main cause for increased or excessive belly fat is being in a calorie surplus.

Caffeine does not contain calories, therefore could not directly cause belly fat,” Rasmussen explains.

you’re able to absolutely enjoy coffee if you want to lose weight.

However, limiting added sugar, high-fat creamers and syrups is important to keep the calorie content low.

In fact, it contains beneficial compounds that can help promote weight loss.