Fight fat with caffeine

NBC Medical Watch
Published: May 28, 2008

It’s one thing most of us have in common. We love and often times need our caffeine. But could it actually help in the fight against fat? It’s not a new claim but with bathing suit season right around the corner many of you may be looking for products to help cut the fat.
A new product called “Fatgirl Slim” is one of hundreds of skin care products dedicated to helping smooth out cellulite temporarily.
A spokeswoman for the product says it has a microdelivery system, with gusomes (small particles of caffeine) that target certain areas to break up fat.
A consultant with the beauty product chain, Sephora says caffeine when used topically increases circulation underneath the skin and also helps to drain excess water under the skin.
Another product called “Lovehandler” also has caffeine. It has mint oil and is reccommended for the waist area.
When used with “Fatgirl Slim” people say a considerable difference in the texture of the skin in two weeks.
The company says 73% can actually tell the cellulite break down in about a month.
But do the products really work?
Well-known dermatologist Dr. Oscar Hevia says, “Caffeine has been known to have a tightening effect on the vessels. But it’s probably a bit of a far stretch to say that if you put it on a product that it’s actually going to tighten your skin. But whether we’ll see that it will result in measurable improvement remains to be seen.“