How drinking water before meals affects weight control in older adults

Water Intake and Weight Control in Older Adults

NIH-funded research Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11019722

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Blacksburg, United States)
Project IDNIH-11019722 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 50 and older who are overweight or obese.

Not a fit: Patients who are under 50 years old or those with normal weight may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Blacksburg, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.