Are There Any Benefits To TikTok's Coffee With Lemon Trend? A Dietician Explains
Health hack machine TikTok is at it again with a new super beverage that users of the app are claiming can boost your metabolism and help you lose weight faster and easier: coffee with lemon. A number of TikTokers, like @missfoodiebayarea, have posted videos declaring the beginning of their "lemon coffee diet," though few have provided detailed follow-ups on whether or not the hack proved effective. If you've seen this diet tip pop up on your "For You" page, you've probably wondered if it's for real.
To answer that burning question, Glam checked in with dietician and health coach Meaghan Greenwood of Hourglass Waist. Join us as we explore her expert take on the claim that adding lemon or lemon juice to your morning coffee can accelerate fat burning and weight loss. It's always wise to educate yourself as much as possible before you decide whether or not to give any new viral health or wellness trend a try.
Does lemon coffee work for weight loss?
When it comes to the effectiveness (or ineffectiveness) of lemon coffee for boosting weight loss, Meaghan Greenwood did not mince words. "To date, there is no substantial scientific evidence supporting the idea that combining coffee and lemon leads to significant weight loss," she exclusively tells Glam. As far as the origins of the misconception, it seems likely that some people may be assuming the two separately beneficial ingredients are boosted when combined with one another. Unfortunately, that is just not the case.
"Some individuals might find that drinking coffee with lemon helps them feel more satisfied or reduces their appetite. However, any observed effects on weight would likely be attributed to overall dietary habits and calorie balance rather than the specific combination of coffee and lemon," Greenwood adds. Unfortunately, there is no magic trick when it comes to losing weight. "To achieve weight loss or improve overall health," Greenwood advises, "it's advisable to focus on maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity." Looks like it's back to old-fashioned diet and exercise if you want to reduce your weight.
Potential risks of drinking lemon coffee
Adding lemon to your coffee isn't necessarily an acute health risk, but it does bring up a couple of concerns you might not have considered. For one, coffee and lemon are both highly acidic. Combining them can create a recipe for uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms, like acid reflux (via Fox News). Drinking lemon coffee on a regular basis can even cause damage to your tooth enamel and the lining of your esophagus over time.
Another aspect to consider is the role diet culture tips like lemon coffee can play in developing or exacerbating disordered eating habits and thought patterns. An urge to try quick-fix solutions for weight loss can signal an unhealthy relationship with food and/or body image and a willingness to prioritize thinness over health. Always speak to a medical professional or look for information from a reputable source before attempting to follow nutritional or wellness advice from social media users.