The rate at which people metabolise caffeine may have an effect on their weight and play a role in their diabetes risks, research published in the journal BMJ Medicine says.
Dr Dipender Gill, a clinical scientist at Imperial College London who worked on the study, said earlier research had not been able to show a causal effect between caffeine and weight, but the new study looked at genetics, making the findings stronger.
Dr Gill said that “95 per cent of your caffeine is metabolised by an enzyme” and that two genes — CYP1A2 and AHR — affect the function and level of that enzyme.
“We found that slower metabolisers have higher plasma caffeine levels, and those with higher plasma caffeine levels go on to have a lower body mass index and a lower risk of diabetes,” he said.
“It’s the plasma caffeine that’s doing that.”
Dr Gill said that also meant people who metabolised caffeine more slowly were more likely to be thinner and have less risk of diabetes.
“If you’re a faster metaboliser, you have lower plasma caffeine levels and you are, on average at a population level, at slightly higher risk of diabetes and have a slightly higher body mass index,” he said.
Dr Gill said the study could inform more research, including on whether drinking more coffee could help people to stay slim.
“Certainly people shouldn’t start drinking more coffee or tea to try to lose weight, and that’s also because coffee and tea and caffeine can have adverse effects as well,” he said.
“Some people might find it difficult to sleep and some people can get palpitations, so I think, based on this study, people should not change their lifestyle or behaviour.
"But our findings should be used to direct further research, including potential clinical studies.”
Dr Gill said it was so far unclear as to what proportion of the population metabolised caffeine more quickly.
The study included almost 10,000 people who were taking part in six longer-term studies.
For now, further research will be needed to work out whether drinking more coffee is beneficial.
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Daniel Akpeyi Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina, Abdullahi Shehu, Chidozie Awaziem, William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins, Semi Ajayi Midfielders: John Obi Mikel, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo, John Ogu Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Henry Onyekuru, Odion Ighalo, Alexander Iwobi, Samuel Kalu, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
TWISTERS
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Tuesday March 15, v PNG at Sharjah Cricket Stadium Friday March 18, v Nepal at Dubai International Stadium Saturday March 19, v PNG at Dubai International Stadium Monday March 21, v Nepal at Dubai International Stadium
