Answer:

Many people drink coffee on an empty stomach, aiming to burn more calories. However, this habit poses several health risks. Consuming coffee when your stomach is empty can stimulate the production of cortisol, a stress hormone. This can affect mood, disrupt metabolism, reduce the effectiveness of blood sugar control, and promote fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area.

While coffee offers health benefits and can assist in breaking down fat into free fatty acids for energy conversion, thus aiding weight loss, adding sugar, condensed milk, or heavy cream significantly increases the total calorie intake.

Sugar provides quick energy but easily accumulates as excess fat if not utilized. Heavy cream and whole milk also contain saturated fat, which contributes to increased body fat. This is an underlying cause of weight gain that many individuals overlook.

Black coffee supports metabolism and energy burning. Illustration: Duc Hanh.

Pairing coffee with sweets or fast food further elevates the total calories consumed in a single sitting. This leads to an energy surplus, promoting fat accumulation and subsequent weight gain.

To support weight management, it is advisable to choose pure black coffee without added sugar, condensed milk, or heavy cream. Drink coffee after meals and consume a moderate amount, approximately one to two cups daily. You can enhance the flavor with cocoa powder or cinnamon powder, and use unsweetened plant-based milk to better control your calorie intake.

Nutrition Expert Hoang Dao Ngoc Lan

Endocrinology - Diabetes Unit

Tam Anh General Clinic District 7