Increase Water Consumption to Decrease Caloric Intake

A new study analyzing water consumption and calorie intake shows some interesting findings, which could benefit gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and lap band patients.  According to the study, adults drank an average of 4.2 cups of plain water (not including noncaloric drinks such as black or herbal tea, or black coffee).  The average caloric intake was 2,157 calories daily, which included 125 calories from sweetened beverages, and 432 calories from discretionary intake (cakes, cookies, and other treats).

By comparing multiple days of intake, the study showed that by increasing water consumption by one to three cups per day, people cut down on their average caloric intake by 68-205 calories and their sodium intake by 78-235 grams each day.  By increasing their water consumption, adults also cut down their sugar intake by 5-18 grams, and their cholesterol by 7-21 grams.

The results show that it is possible to reduce caloric intake by simply drinking more water.  Water is essential to good health, hydration, digestion, the workings of our muscles, and filtering toxins from the bloodstream.  The results of this study also show water can have an impact on caloric intake, which can help promote weight loss.  This is important for gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and lap band patients as well as those patients who are preparing for bariatric surgery.

Lap band patients, in particular, should take a note of caution and remember to drink their water separate from taking their meals.  Drinking liquids, including water, with meals can help flush the food through the pouch, reducing the feeling of fullness which is needed to promote weight loss.  Therefore, lap band patients should only consume their water in between meals, but should still make sure to drink adequate water.

To highlight the effect of increasing your water intake can have, reducing your intake by 68 calories a day translates into a weight reduction of 7 pounds in a year, which is the low end shown in the study.  By reducing your intake by 205 calories per day, a weight reduction of 21 pounds in a year can be realized, just by increasing water consumption by one to three cups of plain water a day!

The above is offered by the staff at Dr. Shillingford’s Boca Raton office for advanced laparoscopic and obesity surgery.  Dr. Shillingford’s gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and lap band patients come from all over South Florida, including Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Miami Beach, and Davie, as well as Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville.  Dr. Shillingford’s bariatric patients are often seeking guidance for maximizing their weight loss.