A weird weight loss trend ' coffee loophole diet ' has captured the imagination of TikTok users aiming to curb those pesky hunger pangs or just attempting to cut calories. The diet that promises belly fat reduction and metabolism boost involves mixing your coffee with ingredients like ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper, and having it within 7 seconds of feeling hungry. Many Tiktokers claim to have benefitted from it and agree with its claim of melting belly fat and boosting metabolism. But is it really a healthy way to target abdominal fat? Studies and health experts suggest otherwise.



Ingredients of the 'diet coffee'Chromium, green tea extract, capsaicin, lemon, honey, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon or a combination of these ingredients are used to prepare this drink. However, a seven-second window is tricky to achieve, especially as hunger pangs can strike anytime. Besides, having this drink every time you feel hungry could lead to overdosing of caffeine which could be problematic in many ways.




Potential benefits

Coffee in moderation even without the healthy ingredients can have potential health benefits in managing blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, and lower incidences of several types of cancers, including colon, rectal, breast, and endometrial, as per Harvard University.



Some of the ingredients in this diet including cinnamon, green tea and cayenne pepper are known to boost metabolism, reduce hunger, and may have some benefits for fat loss. However, more studies are needed to establish they are indeed useful in weight loss.

Side effectsHaving too many cups of coffee can cause heartburn or acidity, especially for those who have a sensitive digestion. Besides coffee can cause the stomach to enlarge more than the same quantity of water, which may result in a feeling of fullness or bloat. While this can help curb hunger, the discomfort caused by bloating is a put off, and isn't healthy.



Cayenne, one of the ingredients used in the coffee loophole diet contains capsaicin, which is an active ingredient that stimulates pain receptors in the body, which could cause a burning sensation, according to a study published in the Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility.

Having too much coffee can lead to dehydration, dizziness, headaches, and insomnia.



In all, 'coffee loophole diet' isn't effective as a long-term measure for weight loss. The hack can lead to nutritional deficiencies and a range of digestive health issues. Adding fibre, protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fat can help in belly fat reduction in a more sustainable way.