science program
IPWR Fellow: Brenda Davy, Ph.D., RD
Location:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
Amount: $50,000 for two years
Project: Is Increased Water Consumption an Effective Weight Loss Strategy in Older Adults?
Weight gain is common with advancing age, and the prevalence of obesity in middle aged and older adults is greater than the general population. Thus, effective strategies for weight management in this population are clearly needed. Our pilot data indicate that older adults spontaneously reduce their caloric intake at an ad-libitum meal following the consumption of 16 fl oz of water. However, the effectiveness of increased water consumption as a weight loss strategy has not been determined. The purpose of this investigation is to determine if pre-meal water consumption will accelerate weight loss in older overweight and obese individuals (aged 60-75y) consuming a low-calorie diet. We will also determine if the acute reduction in meal caloric intake in response to water ingestion is sustained following weight loss in older overweight and obese adults. Participants will be assigned to one of two groups for 12 weeks: 1) low-calorie diet + 16 fl oz water prior to each daily meal, or 2) low calorie diet alone. Body weight/composition, caloric intake and urine output will be monitored throughout the intervention. For the acute meal studies, participants will undergo two conditions 30 minutes prior to an ad-libitum test meal: 1) 16 fl oz. water, and 2) no water. Caloric intake and ratings of hunger, fullness and thirst will be measured. These results will determine the effectiveness of pre-meal water consumption as a weight reduction strategy, the ability of water consumption to reduce caloric intake at a meal, and whether this response is sustained over time.
Publications
Davy BM, Dennis EA, Dengo AL, Davy KP. Water consumption reduces energy intake at a breakfast meal in obese older adults. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 108(7): 1236-1239, 2008.
Dennis EA, Flack KD, Davy BM. Beverage consumption and adult weight management: A review. In review, Obesity.
Dennis EA, Dengo AL, Comber DL, *Flack KD, Davy KP, Davy BM. Water consumption increases weight loss during a hypocaloric diet intervention. In review, Eating Behaviors.
Presentations
Dennis E, Dengo AL, Davy KP, Davy BM. Water consumption reduces meal calorie intake in older overweight and obese adults. Presented at the Society of Behavioral Medicine Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, March 2008.
Davy B, Dennis E, Akers J, Dengo AL, Davy K. Increased premeal water consumption is associated with rapid initial weight loss. Presented at The Obesity Society annual scientific meeting, Phoenix, AZ, October 2008.
Dennis E, Dengo AL, Davy B. Increasing water consumption and lowering energy density: Dietary weight management strategies. Presented at the American Dietetic Association annual meeting, Chicago, IL, October 2008.
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