Researchers from Cornell University found that sipping water during meals may increase overall food intake [1, 2].
This discovery challenges the common belief that drinking water before or during a meal helps suppress appetite to aid weight loss. If drinking water actually encourages more eating, it could change how nutritionists advise patients on caloric management.
The study, conducted in Ithaca, New York, suggests that water consumption during a meal may reduce feelings of fullness [1, 2]. This reduction in satiety can lead participants to consume more calories than they would if they drank water only before or after the meal [2].
According to the findings released in July 2026, individuals who drank water with their meals consumed approximately 10% more calories [3]. This increase suggests a physiological or psychological response where the presence of liquid may interfere with the body's ability to signal that it is full.
The research was led by teams at Cornell University [1]. The results indicate that the timing of hydration is a critical factor in how the body processes hunger and satiety signals during the eating process.
While many people use water as a tool to feel full more quickly, this data suggests the opposite effect occurs when the water is consumed simultaneously with food. The researchers said that this trend could contribute to unintentional overeating in environments where beverages are served alongside entrees [2].
“Sipping water during meals may increase overall food intake.”
These findings suggest that the traditional advice to drink water to curb appetite may be counterproductive if the hydration occurs during the meal itself. By potentially masking satiety signals, water intake during eating could lead to a consistent caloric surplus, which has long-term implications for weight management and metabolic health.
