A pint of water before meals is the secret to losing weight, scientists claim

The London Mirror ^ | August 26, 2015 | Jennifer Cockerell

[2ndDivisionVet]

A new study by the University of Birmingham revealed that obese adults who 'pre-loaded- with 500ml of plain tap water lost an average of 9.5lbs in 12 weeks.

The key to losing weight could be as simple as drinking a pint of water before mealtimes , researchers have said.

A study in which obese adults consumed 500ml of water half an hour before eating main meals saw them report an average loss of 4.3kg (9.48lbs) over a 12-week period.

Researchers at the University of Birmingham said the simple trick could be hugely beneficial, and easily promoted by healthcare professionals and through public health campaigns.

The trial saw obese adults recruited from GP surgeries and monitored for 12 weeks.

Each of the participants was given a weight management consultation, where they were advised on how to adapt their lifestyle and diet and improve their levels of physical activity.

Around half were also asked to "pre-load" before meals with water, and half advised to imagine that they had a full stomach before eating.

Those in the first group lost 1.3kg (2.87lbs) more than those in the control group on average.

Participants who reported pre-loading before all three main meals of the day reported a loss of 4.3kg (9.48lbs) over the 12 weeks, whereas those who only pre-loaded once, or not at all, only lost an average of 0.8kg (1.76lbs).

They were encouraged to drink tap water as sparkling water, sodas or sweetened drinks were not allowed as part of the study.....

[freedumb2003]

worth a shot — no downside.

I’ll report back a few months from now.

[econjack]

A pint of water before instead of meals is the secret to losing weight, scientists claim.

There...fixed.

[max americana]

No wonder I cant lose weight. I thought it was a pint of Rolling Rock.

[2ndDivisionVet]

How would you go about living on water alone?

[SaveFerris]

[I’ll report back a few months from now.]

What if you get really small and can’t reach the keyboard? /Steve Martin

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

Oops. Too late.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

Erma Bombeck: “ I’ve been on a constant diet for the last two decades. I’ve lost a total of 789 pounds. By all accounts, I should be hanging from a charm bracelet.”

[SunkenCiv]

And with the water, bread. This isn't a big reveal, btw -- the late James Beard mentions the use of complimentary water to reduce stomach capacity before the tiny little gourmet meal is brought out in a restaurant.

Screw salads: They're not helping you and may be hurting the planet

[SaveFerris]

Just a salad ... just a salad ... just a salad.

[SaveFerris]

I can lose it. I just keep finding it back.

[Heart-Rest]

"No wonder I cant lose weight. I thought it was a pint of Rolling Rock."

The "control group" in this study drank a pint of "Beamish" before each meal, instead of a pint of water, and they did not quite achieve the same results...

[sheana]

Same here. Excuse me while I go get some ice cream. 😉

[SaveFerris]

Woohoo! Add chopped peanuts! And/or pecans!

[central_va]

The "control group" in this study drank a pint of "Beamish" before each meal, instead of a pint of water, and they did not quite achieve the same results...

Yeah but they didn't care....

[umgud]

My problem is too many intimate dinners for two, with just me at the table.

[1_Rain_Drop]

Tap water. Hard or soft? Well or municipal? with or without fluoride?

What’s wrong with sparkling water?
I thought it was just water with bubbles in it.
I love my Perrier.

[headstamp 2]

Forced portion control. I get the same effect consuming a pound of wet mortar before a steak.

[headstamp 2]

You could also “pre-load” with a piece of cake before dinner.

[max americana]

they achieved their results of having a great time though..