Water intake, hydration, and weight management: the glass is half-full!

Abstract

The lack of practical and effective strategies to manage hunger and adhere to a weight management intervention represents a critical barrier to the weight management field. In proof-of-concept studies, we demonstrated that premeal water consumption (500 ml) acutely reduced perceived hunger and meal energy intake among middle-aged and older adults, and that premeal water consumption (500 ml, 3 times per day) increased the amount of weight lost after 12 weeks among middle-aged and older adults with overweight or obesity. However, water consumption may be important for weight management regardless of when it is consumed. This presentation summary addresses what is currently known about water intake, hydration status, and weight control. Findings from three recent systematic reviews focused on water intake and weight control are described. Potential mechanisms by which water consumption could impact appetite and hypocaloric diet adherence are discussed, and ongoing research on this topic is described.

Keywords: Behavioral intervention; Diet; Executive function; Hydration; Obesity; Overweight; Water; Weight control.