Truth or Myth?: 5 Diet Tips Demystified
Dr. Oz tackles 5 common—and potentially misleading—pieces of advice to help you rule out bogus weight-loss methods.
By Dr. Mehmet Oz
"Drinking Water and Coffee Can Make You Lose Weight."
Myth!: Neither water nor coffee can "flush fat" from the body and make you lose weight. Water is essential for life and contains zero calories. Therefore if you replace drinks that have calories with water you'll end up consuming fewer calories, which can help dieting. It's this healthy habit that can help you lose weight—not the water itself. In terms of coffee and weight loss, coffee acts as a stimulant, which means that initially it gives you a jolt of energy, slightly boosting metabolism. But bear in mind that if you add sugar or cream to your coffee, the metabolism boost will get cancelled out by excess calories. Lastly, always use caution when consuming caffeine to aid weight loss. Caffeine should always be enjoyed in moderation since too much can cause anxiety, nervousness and insomnia. Drink no more than 3 to 4 cups of caffeinated coffee or tea per day.
Published 02/22/2013
As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.