Evaluation of the effects of regular caffeine intake on body composition measurements and psychological status in healthy individuals

Aims: Research continues on the health effects of caffeine, whose use is increasing among young people. It has been determined that caffeine products consumed to increase alertness have both positive and negative effects on body metabolism. In addition to metabolic effects, it is necessary to consider the psychological dimension. While it can improve exercise performance and cognitive capacity, it can also lead to sleep problems, anxiety disorders, and cardiac problems. It can also affect fluid and fat metabolism. This study investigated the metabolic and psychological effects of regular caffeine intake, as well as its impact on body composition. Methods: Sociodemographic data were collected from individuals aged 18 and over who regularly consumed caffeine, and psychological status was assessed. Laboratory tests and body composition measurements were recorded using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Results: The majority of the 176 individuals were female, had a bachelor's degree, and were low-income. The mean age was 23.3 ± 5.2 years. The body fat percentage of high dose caffeine-consuming individuals was 29.2 ± 9.0%, muscle mass 27.2 ± 7.0 kg/m2, visceral fat 9.3 ± 4.8%, and waist/hip ratio was 0.8 ± 0.1. Mean anxiety level was found 3.66, tension level 3.35, and depression level 2.38. Sleep problems were detected in 42.0%, palpitations in 35.2%, dyspeptic complaints in 39.8%, and bowel complaints in 26.1% of. Conclusion: Regular caffeine consumption has been shown to affect sleep, urinary frequency, and dyspeptic complaints, but it is not a criterion that alone affects anthropometric values and psychological status. Although relatively high doses of caffeine can cause tachycardia attacks, they do not increase anxiety levels. Caffeine has also been found to be ineffective against mood disorders like depression or anxiety, and its primary use in young people is believed to be to increase alertness. However, it's important to remember that an increase in sleep problems or dyspeptic symptoms can negatively impact quality of life.