Consuming five or more cups of coffee per day could be associated with a reduction in visceral fat, potentially lowering the risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, according to a study. Researchers from the University of Oulu in Finland observed that individuals who regularly drink around five cups of coffee daily tend to have less visceral fat and more muscle mass compared to lighter coffee drinkers, even when their overall weight is similar.
Visceral fat, which surrounds internal organs, releases harmful chemicals that can contribute to serious health issues, earning it the moniker 'silent killer.' It has been linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and various cancers, including liver, bowel, and stomach cancers.
Previous research has noted a connection between coffee consumption and a lower risk of heart disease. This latest study suggests that regular intake may lead to a healthier body composition overall.
"Coffee is consumed by millions of people every day, yet we still know surprisingly little about how it relates to our metabolism and hormones," said Luca Verroest, a doctoral researcher at the University of Oulu and lead author of the study. "What stood out in our findings was a distinct pattern that didn't disappear even after we took into account body mass index (BMI) and lifestyle factors."
The study, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, analyzed data from 2,264 participants who were part of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966, with an average age of 46. Participants were categorized into four groups based on their average daily coffee intake: none, light, moderate, and five or more cups. Researchers then examined their weight, BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage, muscle mass, and blood pressure. Blood samples were also collected to measure cholesterol, insulin levels, and sex hormones like testosterone.
The findings indicated that individuals consuming five or more cups of coffee daily had a body fat percentage of approximately 27%, compared to about 29% in non-coffee drinkers. These heavier coffee drinkers also showed about 6% less visceral fat and possessed the highest muscle mass. Notably, BMI remained consistent across all groups, despite the differences in fat and muscle composition.
Higher coffee intake was also correlated with lower levels of a specific amino acid previously linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. In men, increased coffee consumption was generally associated with more favorable insulin levels and higher total testosterone, which may offer protection against metabolic diseases. However, these men also exhibited lower levels of free testosterone, a hormone linked to libido, fatigue, and muscle mass.
The researchers concluded that habitual coffee consumption is associated with a leaner body composition, potentially offering long-term health benefits. They emphasized, however, that further research is necessary before these findings can inform dietary guidelines, acknowledging that caffeine tolerance varies among individuals.
As an observational study, it could not definitively establish whether the protective effects of coffee are due to its anti-inflammatory compounds, known as polyphenols, or the caffeine itself. A separate 2026 study involving over 350,000 adults suggested that drinking five or more cups of coffee daily reduced the likelihood of developing liver cancer by 47%, even with decaffeinated options. However, unfiltered coffee preparations, like French press, have been associated with increased levels of LDL cholesterol, which can contribute to arterial buildup and heighten the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Complementary research from US scientists indicated that consuming five cups of black coffee daily could significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Nevertheless, they cautioned that high caffeine doses can overstimulate the heart, potentially leading to sudden blood pressure spikes, irregular heartbeats, and in rare cases, cardiac arrest in healthy individuals.