Intake from water from foods but not beverages, is related to lower body mass index and waist circumference in humans

Objective Experimental trials using test meals suggest that water promotes satiety and decreases subsequent intake, thus possibly working to prevent obesity, when it is consumed as an integral component of a food, but not when consumed alone or alongside a food. We examined the associations of intake of water from beverages and intake of water from foods with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in free-living humans consuming self-selected diets. Methods This observational cross-sectional study included 1136 female Japanese dietetic students 18–22 y of age. Dietary intake was assessed with a validated, self-administered, comprehensive, diet-history questionnaire. BMI was calculated using measured body height and weight. Waist circumference was measured at the level of the umbilicus. Results Means ± standard deviations of BMI, waist circumference, intake of water from beverages, and intake of water from foods were 21.3 ± 2.7 kg/m2, 72.9 ± 7.1 cm, 569 ± 318 g/1000 kcal, and 476 ± 110 g/1000 kcal, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, intake of water from beverages was not associated with BMI (P for trend = 0.25) or waist circumference (P for trend = 0.43). Conversely, intake of water from foods showed independent and negative associations with BMI (P for trend = 0.030) and waist circumference (P for trend = 0.0003). Conclusion Intake of water from foods, but not water from beverages, was independently associated with lower BMI and waist circumference in free-living humans consuming self-selected diets.