The Zoomer Report: Drinking Water and Weight Loss

If you’re trying to lose weight, here’s an easy way to boost your results. A scientific study shows that drinking two glasses of water before each meal will make you lose more.

Researchers followed two groups of obese people aged 55 to 75 who were put on a diet.

One group drank two cups of water before their meals, and the other group did not. Over a 12-week period, the water drinkers lost about 15.5 pounds, while the other group lost about 11 pounds. The researchers then followed the dieters for another year as they continued their weight-loss efforts to see if they could keep the pounds off. Here again, the water-drinking group appeared to do a little bit better.

One possible explanation is that the participants replaced some calorie-laden drinks with water. In the U.S. people consume an average of 450 calories from beverages each day. The study authors also found participants felt a little more full and a little less hungry after drinking the water and that may have made them eat less.

The water drinkers also felt their minds were clearer and they were thinking better. Some say that may mean they were dehydrated before starting this regimen.

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ Elena Elisseeva

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Libby ZnaimerAbout The Zoomer Report
Libby Znaimer, a prominent Canadian journalist specializing in business, politics, and lifestyle issues, is producer and host of The Zoomer Report, a special feature on topics of interest to baby boomers and the 50+. It covers everything from health and wealth to leisure and volunteerism, from the special vantage point of the generation that has changed society in its wake.
Ms. Znaimer is also Vice-President of News and Information for Classical 96.3FM and AM740. Her first book, “In Cancerland – Living Well Is The Best Revenge” – was published in October 2007 by Key Porter.