Epidemiology suggests that there is an inverse association between water intake and energy intake. The reason for this is not clear, but the most logical suggestion is that those who consume water negate the contribution made by drinks containing energy. Water consumption may therefore reduce the intake of drinks such as soft drinks and tea and coffee, and may thus decrease sugar intake. Other drinks such as tea and coffee have also been investigated and consumption has been shown to be associated with weight loss. Interestingly, artificial sweetener consumption, although superficially considered a strategy to lower energy intake, actually increases energy intake in those trying to lose weight. Therefore the choice of drinks may have a significant effect on weight loss. Some of the effects of drinks may be to change the satiety felt by the individual or may alter the cephalic phase of digestion through psychological changes. In addition, there may be metabolic reasons why particular drinks can influence weight loss.
Researchers1 have investigated the effects of drinking water prior to consuming food on weight loss in middle-aged and older individuals. One group of subjects consumed a low calorie diets with 500 mL water prior to each meal, whereas another group consumed just the low calorie diet. The results of the study showed that the weight loss was 2 kg more in the water drinking group compared to the non-water drinking group. The researchers also assessed the effects of 500 mL of water on energy consumption at a single ad libitum meal prior to the start of the other study. The results of this experiment showed that consumption of water prior to consumption of food decreased energy intake significantly. However, when this test was repeated at the end of the other study, there was no significant difference in energy intake between the water preload and no water groups. These results suggest that optimal water consumption may be an important consideration for those wishing to lose body fat.
RdB
