How drinking water before meals affects weight control in older adults
Official title: Water Intake and Weight Control in Older Adults
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11019722 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how drinking different amounts of water can help adults over 50 who are overweight or obese manage their weight better, and it involves tracking your water intake to see how it affects your hunger and feelings of fullness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $598,545 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135410-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019722 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 50 and older who are overweight or obese.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under 50 years old or those with normal weight may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of water consumption on weight management in adults aged 50 and older who are overweight or obese. Participants will be assigned to one of three groups: one will drink 500 ml of water before each meal, another will consume 1500 ml of water throughout the day, and the third will follow a diet without specific water instructions. The study will use smart water bottles to track water intake and measure various indicators to assess compliance and effectiveness. By examining changes in hunger, fullness, and appetite-regulating hormones, the research aims to uncover how water intake influences weight loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a simple and effective strategy for older adults to manage their weight more effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with premeal water consumption leading to reduced hunger and increased weight loss, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davy, Brenda M — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Davy, Brenda M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.