Drinking water with meals and how food moisture affects how much adults eat
Official title: The Influence of Water Intake on Food Intake at Meals Varying in Moisture
Run by Cornell University · NCT07439198 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will see if drinking water with a meal changes how much adults (20–60 years old) with a BMI of 20–29.9 eat when meals differ in moisture.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Cornell University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ithaca, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 23, 2027 |
| Study ends | February 23, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07439198 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 20–60 who regularly eat three meals per day, have a BMI of 20–29.9, like the study foods, are not pregnant or breastfeeding, do not smoke or have recent major weight changes, and can follow pre-visit instructions are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People outside the age or BMI range, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, current smokers, athletes in training, those on medications or with conditions that affect taste, smell, thirst, or appetite, or those with a history of eating disorders or depression are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults who regularly eat three meals per day and meet the BMI and health criteria attend controlled meal visits at Cornell. On different visits meals are manipulated for beverage (water vs no water) and for food moisture (low vs high), and portion size and switching behavior are varied. Researchers measure how much participants eat at each meal and record individual characteristics to test which factors change the effect of water and moisture on intake. Participants must follow pre-visit requirements such as a consistent breakfast and no alcohol the day before visits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help people better manage meal size by clarifying whether drinking water or choosing higher-moisture foods reduces how much they eat.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown modest reductions in meal intake when people drink water with meals or before meals, but the specific interaction with food moisture and switching behavior is less well studied.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 20 - 60 years old * Regularly consume 3 meals per day * Like, are willing to eat, and do not have restrictions or allergies to the study foods * Are willing to refrain from drinking alcohol the day before study visits * Are willing to consume a consistent breakfast the day of study visits * Have a BMI between 20-29.9 kg/m2 Exclusion Criteria: * Experienced a weight change \>5 kg in the past month * Are a smoker * Are an athlete in training * Take medications or have a health condition known to affect taste, smell, thirst, or appetite * Are pregnant or breastfeeding * Have ever been diagnosed with an eating disorder or depression * Specialize in the fields of psychology or nutritional sciences
Where it's running
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Paige M Cunningham, PhD
- Email: pmc242@cornell.edu
- Phone: 607-255-2650
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.