DENVER -- Are extra laps or sit-ups the key to losing weight? Perhaps shrinking your waistline could be as easy as drinking a cup of joe. At least that's what the Javalution Coffee company says.

Javafit is billed as the first "functional coffee." It's enhanced with nutraceuticals or herbs and vitamins and extra caffeine. But it also has some hidden side effects.

From a marketing perspective, Javafit is hot. For goal-oriented people who already drink coffee and want improved exercise performance and weight loss, it makes sense.

The Hot Mamas Stroller Conditioning program should be a perfect java fit.

"I'd be all about that," one mother said.

"As long as I knew it was healthy for me, I would try it," another mother, Kristy Socarras-Bigelow, said.

But a registered dietician said the herbs in Javafit can act like drugs.

"I would not recommend this to anybody. And I think there's some concern that some of these herbs might actually hurt you," said registered dietician Bonnie Jortberg.

The Burn Javaft Coffee flavor has citrus aurantium, a stimulant similar to ephedra -- banned by the Federal Drug Administration last year; chromium -- a heavy metal that may or may not be safe; and 50 percent more caffeine than regular coffee -- making it potentially dangerous for people with hypertension, high blood pressure or heart problems.

But if you want a helping hand in your fitness quest, this may be the key.

"Shortcuts are just sort of our nature. So I think if it did help, I'm sure that people would love to drink it. As long as it tasted good," said Teddi Bryant, owner of the Hot Mammas.

But be warned: gourmet coffee it's not.

"Nah. It's too iffy for me. I don't know. I wouldn't trust it personally," said manager Linda Young.

"It doesn't have a good coffee flavor but it still has a bitter aftertaste," barista Nathan McGarvey said.

The Burn version of Javafit is a strange combination of tea and coffee flavors, but there are other functional coffees.

To learn more go to JavaFit.com.