| schema:text
| - Last Updated on January 20, 2025 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that drinking bulletproof coffee (black coffee with ghee) will help eliminate belly fat. We fact checked and found the claim to be False.
The Claim
The Claimant in the video claims that she lost weight at home by drinking Bulletproof coffee and asserts that this drink helps eliminate belly fat.
Fact Check
Does bulletproof coffee actually help with weight loss?
No. Aditi Prabhu, Clinical & Sports Dietitian-Nutritionist and Founder of NutroDynamix in Mumbai, said, “Bullet coffee is not a magic bullet for weight loss. While its caffeine content may act as a stimulant and the fat could suppress appetite, reducing calorie intake, there is limited research to support these claims. Some studies suggest Bullet coffee could increase serum lipid levels, raising concerns about its long-term use. For individuals who already under-eat, it may lead to nutrient deficiencies or even increased fat storage. Sustainable weight loss and belly fat reduction require a personalized, balanced diet and active lifestyle, not reliance on Bulletproof coffee alone.”
When you drink bulletproof coffee, you’re consuming a significant amount of calories due to the ghee (or butter) included. For example, one serving of bulletproof coffee can have anywhere from 200 to 400 calories or more, depending on how much butter or ghee you add. This may seem counterintuitive when thinking about weight loss, as weight reduction generally requires creating a calorie deficit (burning more calories than you consume).
Can drinking bulletproof coffee replace meals for weight loss?
Maybe, but it is not recommended for consistent meal replacement.
While bulletproof coffee may provide a feeling of fullness, it is not a balanced meal replacement. For weight loss, a healthy, balanced diet is crucial, and bulletproof coffee falls short in providing essential nutrients.
The fats in ghee and coffee might stave off hunger for a few hours, but this doesn’t mean that it’s a healthy substitute for a proper breakfast. A balanced meal should include a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fibre to support overall health and to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs throughout the day.
Using bulletproof coffee as a meal replacement regularly could result in nutrient deficiencies over time, as you’re missing out on important vitamins, minerals, and fibre that come from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A lack of these nutrients can have negative consequences for your metabolism and general well-being.
Does bulletproof coffee help boost metabolism?
It might, but not significantly. Caffeine is known to temporarily boost metabolism by increasing energy expenditure, but this effect is limited. While bulletproof coffee may slightly increase calorie burn due to its caffeine content, the actual impact on metabolism is not enough to justify weight loss as a result.
Some studies show that caffeine can improve fat oxidation (the process of burning fat for energy), but it’s important to note that this effect is usually small and short-lived. Drinking bulletproof coffee in excess or frequently will not accelerate fat loss beyond the energy expenditure that is already happening from other activities.
Is bulletproof coffee Sustainable for long-term weight management?
Dr Swati Dave, PhD in Food and Nutrition said,” No, it’s not a sustainable long-term weight-loss strategy.” Sustainable weight loss comes from creating a lasting change in your eating and lifestyle habits. Bulletproof coffee might fit into a low-carb or ketogenic diet for some individuals, but it’s not a long-term solution. Over time, relying on bulletproof coffee or similar fad diets could lead to unhealthy eating patterns or an imbalanced approach to nutrition.
Consuming large amounts of ghee regularly may also contribute to excessive intake of saturated fats, which can have long-term health implications if not managed correctly. A balanced, well-rounded diet that includes a variety of whole foods is a much more effective and sustainable approach to weight management.
Are there any health risks with drinking bulletproof coffee for weight loss?
Yes, potential risks are associated with drinking bulletproof coffee regularly.
While bulletproof coffee can provide some quick energy, it’s important to recognise the potential downsides. The high-fat content of ghee or butter means it’s calorie-dense and could contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess. Additionally, a diet too high in saturated fats can increase your risk of heart disease over time.
A 2015 lipidology study reports that a patient’s lipid levels nearly doubled after stopping rosuvastatin. He then began consuming 1 to 2 cups of “bulletproof coffee” daily as an alternative to rosuvastatin therapy. After several months of daily consumption and maintaining his usual exercise routine, his lipid profile worsened, leading to advice to discontinue the coffee.
A 2023 study reported that some people may experience stomach issues after drinking Bulletproof Coffee. Researchers found that people had more stomach problems after drinking Bulletproof Coffee, which contains fat, compared to black coffee. Some participants felt uncomfortable or had trouble relaxing during the test. The study also found that many participants felt abdominal pain or nausea after drinking Bulletproof Coffee, which also contains fat, and they rated the coffee as more acidic compared to black coffee.
Another consideration is the lack of dietary variety. If you rely too heavily on bulletproof coffee as part of your routine, you may miss out on important nutrients that come from whole foods. This could affect your overall health, digestion, and energy levels in the long run.
Final thoughts
Bulletproof coffee, while tasty for some and full of healthy fats, isn’t the miracle drink for weight loss that it’s sometimes made out to be. The science behind weight loss involves more than just a quick fix. Sustainable weight loss requires a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and mindful eating habits.
If you’re looking to shed pounds, it’s more beneficial to focus on consuming a variety of whole foods, incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and maintaining a calorie deficit in a way that’s healthy and manageable for you.
|
![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)
![[cxml]](/fct/images/cxml_doc.png)
![[csv]](/fct/images/csv_doc.png)
![[text]](/fct/images/ntriples_doc.png)
![[turtle]](/fct/images/n3turtle_doc.png)
![[ld+json]](/fct/images/jsonld_doc.png)
![[rdf+json]](/fct/images/json_doc.png)
![[rdf+xml]](/fct/images/xml_doc.png)
![[atom+xml]](/fct/images/atom_doc.png)
![[html]](/fct/images/html_doc.png)