Study: Caffeine might tone thighs but will never replace exercise for thinnning

A new study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology reports on the "discovery" of caffeine's novel benefit in slenderizing thighs. 99 women used a caffeine cream (7% concentration) for one month and at the end of the study more than 80% showed a reduction in both the upper and lower thighs. 68% also had reduced hip measurements.

Before you get too excited about a short-cut way to eliminate excess leg/hip fat, the study was unclear on how or why the reductions took place and imaging measurements showed little change of cellulite--even in the reduced areas. The sample size was small and the results of the control group, if any, were not included in the release.

Even the lead researcher, Omar Lupi of the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, noted that for people who want to look thinner, "Exercise is still the best way to go."