Impact of Water Consumption on Weight Loss in Adolescents
Study Overview
Researchers aimed to determine whether overweight and obese adolescents could lose weight by being encouraged to consume eight cups of water daily along with a healthy diet. Their research indicated that a small sample of participants did not experience significant weight loss despite increased water consumption.
The Importance of Water
Water plays a crucial role in human survival, as approximately 60% of our bodies are made up of this essential fluid. It aids in hydration, contributes to a youthful appearance, and helps maintain satiety. However, the relationship between water intake and weight loss remains a topic of debate.
Research Methodology
The study involved 38 participants who completed a six-month regimen, selected from an initial pool of 358 adolescents who expressed interest in a clinical trial conducted from February 2, 2011, to June 26, 2014, at Boston Children’s Hospital. The findings were published online in March 2017 by the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics.
Participant Demographics
The participants, consisting of 11 boys and 27 girls with a mean age of 14.9 years (ranging from 12 to 17 years), all had a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 85th percentile. Initially, each adolescent reported consuming about two cups of water daily.
Study Design
Water was defined as plain H2O, either bottled or from the tap. Participants received dietary recommendations based on the United States Department of Agriculture’s healthy-eating guidelines. They were divided into two groups: the water group, which aimed to increase daily water intake to eight cups, and a non-water control group, which did not receive guidance on altering water consumption but was motivated to adopt healthy eating and activity habits.
Support and Resources Provided
All participants received a cookbook and a plate marked for appropriate portion sizes. The water group was also provided with a water pitcher featuring replaceable filters and a reusable steel water bottle. Throughout the trial, researchers and registered dietitians engaged with participants via six consultations, monthly behavioral and nutritional counseling, and daily text messages.
Monitoring and Reporting
Participants submitted records of their daily food and beverage intake, including water consumption. The study included three unannounced sessions to assess dietary intake and physical activity levels.
Results and Findings
At the conclusion of the study, participants in the water group reported an average increase in water consumption from two to 4.8 cups daily, representing a 140% increase, although they did not reach the target of eight cups. The control group increased their average intake from 2.3 to 3.5 cups, a 52% increase. Notably, all 38 participants completed the trial, and nearly 80% expressed satisfaction with the study parameters.
Limitations of the Study
Despite the positive feedback, the BMI of participants remained at or above the initial 85th percentile. The authors acknowledged limitations, noting that a larger sample size of 6,500 adolescents would be necessary to establish a clear link between increased water consumption and weight loss. Additionally, participants faced challenges in accessing clean drinking water at school and outside their homes, which could have affected their water intake.
Conclusion and Future Research
The authors concluded that further research is needed to validate the hypothesis that increased water consumption could aid in weight loss for overweight and obese adolescents. They suggested that improving access to water during the trial could yield more relevant data.
Written By: Susan Mercer Hinrichs, MA, MBA, CPhT