Effects of Caffeine and Coffee on Resting Metabolic Rate, Comparing Normal Weight Men to Obese Men

Background. The prevalence of obesity has increased in the last two decades. To maintain body weight energy expenditure (EE) should be equal to energy intake (EI). A low EE predisposes individuals to weight gain and to obesity that can also results from low resting metabolic rate (RMR). Caffeine (Caf) is an active food ingredient and is widely consumed globally, and has an important impact on energy balance. Caf reduces appetite (EI) and increases EE, thus, Caf has a potential role in body weight reduction. Caf causes higher total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) in normal weight (NW) people compared to obese (OW). Moreover Caf is linked to decreased fat oxidation in OW. There are differences between OW and NW in Caf pharmacokinetics, but no differences reported between NW and OW females in its effects on RMR. There is a gender difference in the influence of Caf on metabolism. The investigators are aware of no previous studies which compared the effect of Caf on the RMR of NW and OW men.

Objectives. 1) To compare the effect of Caf and coffee on resting metabolic rate (RMR) values in healthy normal-weight (NW) men and overweight (OW) men. 2) To develop Caf intake frequency questionnaire (in Hebrew)

Hypothesis. RMR values will be higher and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) values will be lower in NW compared to the values measured in OW men.

Methods. 33 men (16 NW and 17 OW) were reported to the laboratory on 4 separate occasions (placebo, Caf tablets, coffee and decaffeinated coffee). During the lab sessions they were undergo complete anthropometric measurements and RMR measured (one of the study conditions) using indirect calorimetry. Additionally, respiratory exchange ratio (RER) which is calculated as the ratio between CO2 production (VCO2) and O2 consumption (VO2) (VCO2/VO2), blood pressure and heart rate (HR) response recorded.

The importance of this study is that the results will contribute to the scientific basis of weight control and health interventions programs (diet and physical activity) in overweight men.

Methods. 16 NW and 17 OW men were reported to the laboratory on 4 separate occasions (placebo, Caf tablets, coffee and decaffeinated coffee) each separated by 2-7 days. Before the first meeting they refill caffeine, physical activity and medical questionnaires. The investigators recruited only men who were healthy non-smokers with no comorbidities and the daily caffeine consumption was under 400 mg. Before each meeting participants had to comply guidelines outlined included fasting for 8 hours, avoiding intense physical activity 14 hours and moderate exercise 2 hours before measurements. The meetings conducted in the morning when the first session included anthropometric measurements (weight, height and waist circumference) and body composition measurements using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) and a digital caliper. Each session began with a measuring resting blood pressure and heart rate (Polar telemetric systems), after that participants were given randomly placebo or Caf tablets or coffee or decaffeinated coffee, waiting half an hour and then measuring the RMR and respiratory exchange ratio (RER), for half an hour using indirect calorimetry (canopy system). Then again measured blood pressure and heart rate at rest.

The sample size was calculated for 16 participant in each group, according to an expected change of 3% at RMR values between the groups with the power of 80% and significance of 0.05 . standard deviation (SD).

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

33 Healthy men at the age between 20-50 years. 16 normal weight men and 17 obese men.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Hypertension (above 140/90 mmHg)
2. Taking medications for hypertension
3. Heart, liver or kidney problems, diabetes, respiratory problems, hypo/hyper thyroidism.
4. Smoking
5. Men who consume caffeine above 400 mg/day
6. Taking medications or dietary supplements that can affect energy expenditure
7. Elite athletes (competitive sport)
8. Night Eating