Hey everyone,

This is a question that I’ve had for a while that I would like to get some opinions on.

While I’m aware regular energy drinks would not be useful for weight loss due to their sugar content alone, I was curious if sugar-free energy drinks can be used to help the weight loss process at all.

Reason why I’m asking is that zero sugar energy drinks are low in calories, typically being 10 calories for a can of Monster, and contain large amounts of B vitamins, which I’m aware are essential for metabolism. On top of this, while the amount of it is a concern ofc, caffeine seems to have been shown to boost metabolism in the short term.

Would these facts be enough to justify having a zero sugar energy drink every now and again, or am I misunderstanding and exaggerating things, or missing key details that might change the way I see them?

Thanks in advance.

  • Delphia@lemmy.worldEnglish
    2·
    1 month ago

    They absolutely can and their method of action is multi-faceted but they are a minimal benefit at best.

    1. Caffiene is a stimulant, you are more inclined to move when stimulated both planned, unplanned and it will provide an uptick in your BMR by simply making your heart beat just a little faster and you figeting more.

    2. There is SOME evidence that caffiene can suppress appetite. Personally I dont put much stock in this, I think if you shotgun 500ml of any liquid you are likely going to feel less hungry but people smarter than I think it might.

    3. You’re more likely to exercise if you dont feel tired. Caffiene masks fatigue and tiredness it doesnt remove it but psychologically you’re more likely to get up and go do something.

    4. Its a essentially calorie free replacement for other drinks. If its replacing a caramel double shot frappe with whipped cream…

    Now theres some caveats…

    1. Sleep is second only to diet when trying to lose weight, there is numerous studies on low sleep basically dragging weight loss to a halt and causing muscle loss. Caffiene can really screw with sleep… so timing is very important. Personally 3pm is my hard cut off for caffiene because I get up for work at 5am and caffiene has an approximate 6 hour metabolism rate, so for me to get 8 hrs I need to be trying to get to sleep at 9.

    2. You build a tolerance and a dependence fast. Dont expect to feel much after a few weeks and expect to have a few cranky days if you put a stop to it. I gave up on this years ago, I consume about 500mg a day.

    3. Can be risky in the heat, caffiene is a diuretic. It makes fluids want to leave the body, makes your hydration extra important to stay on top of.

    4. You CAN overdose, unlikely to kill you unless you just stop giving a shit and pound can after can, but an energy drink then a coffee with a friend, then your afternoon can an bit earlier than normal then a gym friend says “hey you want some preworkout?” And you will have an absolute blocksplitter of a headache.

    I start my day with a can first thing in the morning and then another about 8 hours later to prop me up for the afternoon. Outside of that its mostly a few coke zeros here and there. But this is all on top of a calorie restricted diet and 4 to 6 days a week going to crossfit. Drinking sugarfree monsters doesnt count as dieting, its not health food, its just another little thing you can do that might help add up to better results over a long enough time period.