Claims are everywhere that the zero-sugar energy drink Celsius can boost metabolism, melt fat, and rival weight-loss drugs. Promoted as an effective and healthy energy drink, the catchy white cans of joy, sold in flavors like Watermelon, Kiwi Guava and Cola, are flying off shelves at bodegas and fitness studios across the city, a quick hit of energy at $5 a pop for everyone from college students trying to pull through finals to dancers preparing to make it through a week of shows on the Great White Way. But does Celsius really live up to the hype when it comes to weight loss? This article explores the science behind Celsius, examining its ingredients, clinical studies, and expert opinions to provide a comprehensive understanding of its potential role in a weight loss journey.
How Celsius Works: The MetaPlus Formula
In 2005, vitamin industry entrepreneurs created Celsius. Celsius works by combining its clinically proven formula of healthier, energy-boosting ingredients with your own body’s physical activity. Celsius proprietary MetaPlus formula including green tea with EGCG, ginger and guarana seed, turns on thermogenesis, a process that boosts your body's metabolic rate. The ingredients include green tea, epigallocatechin gallate, caffeine, guarana seed extract, taurine and ginger root extract, which all work together to suppress one’s appetite and boost the metabolic rate. It has been clinically proven to boost the metabolism and help burn body fat when used with exercise.
- Thermogenesis: Thermogenic properties are proven to increase metabolism. In turn, this causes your body to burn more calories and body fat than you normally would with exercise alone.
- Key Ingredients: Celsius stands out for its higher caffeine dose and green-tea catechins. EGCG, caffeine, and ginger compounds have been studied for their ability to raise resting energy expenditure (REE)-a phenomenon called diet-induced thermogenesis.
Clinical Studies: What the Research Says
Celsius highlights clinical studies, while social-media influencers showcase dramatic before-and-after photos. That title was earned through research and clinical studies, not just because it sounded good and we felt like saying it. Celsius has already been proven in 6 published University studies. To ensure consumer confidence, trust, and industry independence, the studies were all presented at scientific conferences and published in peer reviewed publications. The research doesn’t lie. Drinking Celsius prior to fitness activities is proven to energize, accelerate metabolism, burn body fat and calories. Several university studies have investigated the effects of Celsius on metabolism and body composition. Here's a summary of some key findings:
- Increased Resting Energy Expenditure (REE): Consuming a thermogenic drink (TD) acutely increases energy expenditure and serum markers of lipolysis in healthy, college-aged individuals. Findings showed REE was 10-12 % higher in the Celsius group at 60, 120, and 180 minutes post-drink.
- Improved Body Composition: Sedentary men drinking Celsius prior to moderate exercise yielded significant improvements in body composition. Celsius users lost 6.6 % fat mass. Cardio Fitness: VO₂peak rose 13.8 % with Celsius.
One study examined the acute effects of ingesting a commercially available thermogenic drink (TD) on energy expenditure and lipolysis independent of diet and/or exercise modifications. Healthy college-aged male (23.2 ± 4.0 y, 177.2 ± 6.1 cm, 81.7 ± 11.3 kg, 22.8 ± 7.3 % fat; n = 30) and female (23.4 ± 3.1 y, 165.6 ± 8.7 cm, 62.1 ± 9.9 kg, 28.3 ± 7.4 % fat; n = 30) participants were matched according to height and weight to consume 336 ml of the TD or a non-caloric, non-caffeinated placebo (PLA).
- Methods: After a 12 h fast, participants reported for pre-consumption measures of height, weight, heart rate, blood pressure, resting energy expenditure (REE), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), glycerol and free-fatty acid (FFA) concentrations. REE and RER were determined at 60, 120, and 180 min post-consumption. Venous blood samples were also taken to assess serum levels of glycerol and FFAs.
- Results: When compared to PLA, TD significantly increased REE at 60, 120 and 180 min (p < 0.05). FFA concentrations were significantly greater in TD compared to PLA at 30, 60, 120 and 180 min post-consumption (p < 0.05). Acute TD ingestion significantly increased REE, FFA and glycerol appearance.
- Discussion: Of the active ingredients, caffeine and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG, an abundant catechin in green tea) are the most common and have been found to increase energy expenditure and increase markers of lipolysis. The results of this study suggest that the proprietary thermogenic blend contained in the TD may be an effective stimulus to promote weight loss independent of modifications in diet or exercise, as TD consumption increased REE, calorie burning and circulating levels of FFA.
The Importance of a Healthy Lifestyle
Celsius alone does not produce weight loss in the absence of a healthy diet and moderate exercise. So, whether you walk the dog or work out at the gym, make Celsius part of your daily regimen. Both trials suggest Celsius can nudge metabolism higher when combined with exercise. The acute boost (~10 % for three hours) likely equates to 15-20 extra calories during that window. Celsius can play a supporting role in a comprehensive fat-loss plan, but lasting progress comes from an energy deficit, adequate protein, and consistent training.
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Caffeine Content and Safety
The FDA cites 400 mg caffeine per day as generally safe for healthy adults. Two cans of Celsius hit that ceiling. It provides essential energy to lit it.
Celsius vs. Weight Loss Drugs: A Reality Check
Reality: Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable GLP-1 agonist that reduces appetite. Celsius is a caffeinated beverage that briefly raises energy expenditure. Insulin-regulating semaglutide injections like Ozempic and Wegovy have become popular for those looking to quickly and easily shed weight.
Expert Opinions and Cautions
Experts including Kais Rona MD, a weight loss and surgery specialist, are taking to social media to set the record straight. But Kais Rona, MD, weight loss and surgery specialist, preached caution, warning The Post that energy drinks are marketed as dietary supplements - and therefore have different and more relaxed Food and Drug Administration regulations than food or drugs. “A lot of times we don’t really know what’s in these dietary supplements, because they’re not actually regulated by the FDA,” he said.
Lisa Young, Ph.D., R.D., a nutrition professor at New York University, isn’t the least bit surprised. She told The Post that dieting culture is “problematic” and often promotes “short-term boosts” for weight loss rather than products and solutions with lasting effects. She claimed that the country is having an “obsession” with weight loss drugs, as people appreciate the immediate results that they see on the scale without having to change their lifestyle. Experts recommend meeting with a certified physician to begin a weight loss journey and discuss the best plan of action for one’s health and lifestyle. “People have to realize that unless they create and cultivate lifestyle habits that they can sustain, you know, drinking this drink that might boost your metabolism temporarily but is unlikely going to promote long-term lasting effects,” Young advised.
Potential Downsides and Controversies
Celsius has already found itself in hot water for “misleadingly” labeling the drinks in a class-action lawsuit noting that the company advertises the drink as having “no preservatives” - despite containing citric acid. The company argued the citric acid was used for flavor instead of as a preservative, but wound up settling the suit.
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Benefits of Celsius
CELSIUS Fitness Drink is a functional energy drink with seven essential vitamins and keeps the user active and energized all day. It tastes great and consists of many beneficial ingredients. Vitamin B: B Vitamins are essential for energy production and help regulate cell health and metabolism. CELSIUS is the ideal drink for anyone who wants to get the most out of their day and live fit.
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