Coffee Intake May Elevate Central Obesity Risk But Does Not Significantly Affect Metabolic Syndrome, Study Finds

Research indicates that consuming two cups of coffee or less daily is inversely linked to metabolic syndrome (MetSyn), though no causal relationship has been established between coffee intake and MetSyn. Interestingly, higher consumption of coffee, specifically four or more cups per day, is associated with central obesity. Additionally, ground coffee appears to have a stronger inverse association with MetSyn than instant coffee. Furthermore, using artificial sweeteners in coffee has been linked to MetSyn and its components, highlighting the need for further investigation into these dietary practices.

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions—including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels—that together elevate the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Tommy Hon Ting Wong, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, and colleagues explored the relationships between coffee consumption and metabolic syndrome, including its components, while also examining the impact of milk, sugar, and artificial sweeteners on these associations.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis involving 351,805 participants from the UK Biobank. Food frequency questionnaires and 24-hour dietary recall methods gathered coffee consumption data. Metabolic syndrome was identified based on blood biochemistry results and self-reported medication use. The researchers calculated odds ratios using multivariable logistic regression, and the findings were further validated through two-sample Mendelian randomization.

The study highlighted the following significant results:

• Consuming up to two cups of coffee daily was inversely associated with metabolic syndrome, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.88 for one cup and 0.90 for two cups.
• Higher coffee intake showed nearly null associations.
• Mendelian randomization analysis did not support a causal link between coffee consumption and metabolic syndrome. However, self-reported and genetically predicted high coffee consumption—defined as four or more cups per day—was linked to central obesity.
• The inverse relationship between coffee consumption and metabolic syndrome was more pronounced among those who drank ground coffee than those who consumed instant coffee.
• Results were similar when stratifying by milk and sugar use; however, adding artificial sweeteners to coffee was positively associated with metabolic syndrome and its components.

"The findings showed that coffee consumption may elevate the risk of central obesity, but it is unlikely to significantly affect the risk of metabolic syndrome. Additionally, the health implications of artificial sweeteners used in coffee warrant further investigation," the researchers concluded.

Reference:

Wong, Tommy Hon Ting, et al. "Association Between Coffee Consumption and Metabolic Syndrome: a Cross-sectional and Mendelian Randomization Study." Journal of Diabetes, vol. 16, no. 10, 2024, pp. e70004.