OK, most of us tend to find that a little caffeine fix makes us feel more alert, better able to concentrate and less tired. But too much caffeine can lead to anxiousness, restlessness, leave you feeling jittery and unable to sleep—and give you headaches, nausea or palpitations.

So what does caffeine have to do with cellulite and more importantly why will your behind thank you for cutting back on the cappuccino?

First, caffeine can contribute to weight gain. (And there we were, thinking our little black cup was helping us get into our little black dress! Au contraire.) Apparently drinking two cups of coffee is enough to raise the levels of the stress hormone cortisol and insulin in your body, which is thought to accelerate aging and encourage the body to store fat. Studies have shown that when coffee drinkers reduce their coffee intake, they lose weight, although it’s not yet understood why this happens.

Plus, when our blood sugar levels are raised and our insulin levels are disrupted, we’re more likely to be tempted by sugary treats—that espresso may lead to a chocolate croissant or two.

Caffeine is also bad for your skin because it impedes your blood circulations. Skin requires a regular blood supply to stay looking young and healthy. A lack of oxygen can lead to dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, poor color. You know how your face looks after to many espressos and a few late nights … well, the skin on your behind is also being robbed of vital nutrients, too, which means it’s going to look dry and dehydrated—and that will make your cellulite worse.

Caffeine also contributes to water retention; as it’s a diuretic, it can dehydrate your body. When you’re dehydrated, cells hold on to water—and your fat cells hold on to fluids, which, on your bottom and thighs, makes your skin bulge out and look puffier and more dimply.