How should I drink caffeine if I want to lose weight?

Dr. Andrea Pennington, MD

Integrative Medicine

If you insist on drinking caffeinated beverages like colas or coffee, then increase your water consumption by at least 1 and a half times the amount of the caffeine you drink. Caffeine is a diuretic -- meaning it makes you excrete water in your urine. The water you lose from caffeinated beverages needs to be replaced. So for every twelve ounce caffeinated soda you drink, add another 12 to 18 ounces of water to your intake regimen. The same holds true for alcoholic beverages, since alcohol is an even more potent diuretic than caffeine.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.