Abstract: In the mid-1950s, Linus Pauling discovered an inverse association between longevity and obesity. At this time, researchers began to study the effects of coffee or caffeine intake on the modulation of glucose homeostasis. Since the 1960s and 1970s, epidemiological studies have shown that consumption of three or more cups of coffee per day may reduce several risk factors for obesity. Furthermore, most studies indicate a dose-response relationship, with greater reductions in obesity-related disturbances occurring at higher levels of coffee intake; phenolic compounds other than caffeine that are also found in coffee may contribute to these effects. Likewise, several mechanisms that underlie the beneficial effects have been proposed. Collectively, this chapter highlights the relationship between the intake of coffee (and its compounds) and obesity Ver menos