Increasing daily water consumption is widely recognised as a weight loss strategy in the general public. The present study sought to determine the impact of premeal water consumption on weight loss among overweight/obese middle-aged and older adults and also to test the durability of the reducing effect of premeal water on energy intake after a 12-week period of increased water consumption. Participants (n=48) were assigned to one of the two groups: (A) hypocaloric diet + 500 ml water prior to each daily meal, or (B) hypocaloric diet alone. The results indicated that adding 500 ml of water at each meal to a hypocaloric diet led to ~2 kg greater weight loss over 12 weeks as compared to hypocaloric diet alone. It was proposed that this strategy increased sensations of fullness generating a reduction in meal energy intake which was observed at baseline, but not at week 12. This study showed benefits of increasing water consumption for weight management and health in adults.
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