Does Enzyme Coffee Help You Lose Weight? Experts Explain the Trendy Drink
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Some people simply prefer their coffee with milk, while others like to shake things up by sipping on variations like protein coffee, olive oil coffee, or even mushroom coffee. But what about enzyme coffee for weight loss? The buzzy beverage is touted as a quick fix for losing weight and shedding belly fat—but is the hype truly all it's made out to be?
Supporters of the trendy drink claim the coffee blend contains digestive enzymes that help break down fat. But dietitians are less convinced. The beverage blends various ingredients such as green coffee bean extract, chromium, yerba mate, and more. And while regular coffee is known to increase metabolism which may help to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, according to Jim White, R.D.N., A.C.S.M. Ex-P, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios, when it comes to enzyme coffee, “There is very little scientific evidence to truly support weight loss,” White explains.
“It is touted as a weight loss drink because it is very high in caffeine and there are some studies to support that caffeine may promote weight loss,” explains Keri Gans, R.D.N., author of The Small Change Diet and podcast host of The Keri Report. Gans says to lose weight in a healthy way, she recommends focusing on a healthy diet, portion control, stress reduction, and upping activity levels.
What is enzyme coffee?
“Enzyme coffee is a blend of powdered coffee, green coffee bean extract, green tea, chromium, yerba mate, and guarana,” explains White. “All of these ingredients combined are said to aid in weight loss because it boosts metabolism and can suppress appetite.” But why are these ingredients combined to produce a weight loss beverage?
Chromium can be used to stabilize blood sugar, correct insulin resistance, and may increase lean muscle mass, explains White per the National Institute of Health. Yerba mate is an herbal tea that can suppress the appetite (which may aid in lowering your caloric intake), continues White, while guarana is a seed that is high in caffeine which is known to boost metabolism.
Does enzyme coffee for weight loss work?
The short answer is “no,” says Gans. “There is never one food or drink that should be the ‘end-all’ for losing weight—losing weight takes behavior and lifestyle changes, along with a lot of patience and compassion for one’s self.”
However, for those who struggle with overeating, enzyme coffee may help with suppressing appetite. This effect would be mostly due to caffeine, which is found in regular coffee as well— which also helps boost energy. This energy boost can be beneficial in terms of exercise to complete longer, more intense sessions for a higher overall calorie burn, according to White.
In general, coffee is good for you for a few reasons that can influence weight loss. In addition to caffeine, coffee may help process sugar (glucose) better and “is associated with a lower risk of heart disease in moderation,” explains White.
Side effects of enzyme coffee for weight loss
“Enzyme coffee is vey high in caffeine, so anyone that is sensitive to caffeine may experience several side effects,” Gans notes. Some of these potential side effects include:
Jitters or restlessness
Nervousness
Insomnia
Gastrointestinal distress (like diarrhea)
Headaches
Alternative weight loss drinks
There is no quick sip that can make you shed pounds. While enzyme coffee might not be a magical solution for weight loss, there are some weight loss drinks you can add to a healthy diet to get you closer to your goals. To keep it simple, “water is definitely an ideal beverage to add in weight loss,” Gans notes. “It has zero calories and may aid in satiety.”
But if you’re looking for beverages other than water to sip on throughout the day, White recommends (not necessarily for weight loss) adding higher protein drinks and shakes with 30 g of protein, as these types of beverages can aid with building muscle when combined with strength training. Additionally, “Green and black tea may improve metabolism which could support weight loss,” explains White.
The bottom line
While there are not too many worrisome side effects from consuming enzyme coffee, the large number of claims behind the drink for weight loss are likely more of a marketing gimmick than a truth testament. However, there are lots of science-backed ways to lose weight.
“Research shows a combination of lifestyle habits and exercise are best to safely lose weight. Eating a nutrient-dense diet, eating within a calorie deficit, and being physically active can all help to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle,” explains White. “I look at these products and supplements as a tool in the toolbox. Added to a healthy diet and exercise [they] can be a great additive to promote weight loss and overall health. Other suggestions include creating stress reduction, improved sleeping habits, and practicing mindful eating habits.”
Important disclaimer: Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing and be sure to consult your doctor before taking new supplements (or providing them to a family member) in any situation, as they can interfere with medication.
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