Cornell study finds water with meals may increase calorie intake

Researchers at Cornell University conducted two laboratory experiments on eating behavior. In the first, 49 healthy adults ate a chosen dish while sipping water; for every 100 g (3.4 oz) of water consumed, participants ate an additional 39 g of food (about 49 calories). Alternating bites and sips further increased intake, whereas fast sipping was linked to slightly lower total consumption.

A second experiment compared mild and spicy salsa paired with tortilla chips. The spicier salsa led to 28 % less total snack intake and a 30 % slower eating rate. The authors stress that the results show associations, not proven causation, and that the controlled settings may not reflect everyday meals. Paige Cunningham, an assistant professor at Cornell, noted that “water is emptied quickly from the stomach so it likely doesn’t fill us up for long,” suggesting water may lubricate the mouth and prolong enjoyment of food. The team plans additional research to test how food properties and mealtime behavior influence consumption.