In the study at the University of Birmingham, obese adults were monitored over a 12-week period as they attempted to lose weight through dieting.

The participants who ate three meals and drank 16 ounces of water before every meal lost about 2.87 lbs. more than the other dieters.

“The beauty of these findings is in the simplicity,” according to researcher Dr. Helen Parretti. “Just drinking a pint of water, three times a day, before your main meals may help reduce your weight.”

In the study, dieters drank tap water and were not allowed to drink sparkling water.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Plenty of free activities for kids are part of the Peachtree Corners Festival on Saturday and Sunday, including bubble fun, sand art and face painting. (Courtesy of Peachtree Corners Festival)

Credit: Photo courtesy of Peachtree Corners Festival

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com