Pint of water could help in weight loss (Photo : REUTERS/ERIC THAYER)
A new study by researchers in the United Kingdom has revealed that a pint of water before meals may hold the key to keep extra pounds off.
The study conducted by the University of Birmingham has revealed that 500ml of water or almost a a pint taken half-an-hour before meals may help adults to lose weight.
Despite the technique being a simple intervention, researchers believe it is an initiative that is "hugely beneficial" and will be easier to advocate by health professionals to patients, according to the Daily Mail.
The study monitored the food intake of more than 80 obese adults who have been seeking medical attention and studied them for more than three months.
As part of the program each participant was advised on weight management and how to make small lifestyle changes while offering advice on improving physical activity.
Afterwards, the group of adults was divided into two groups with one group being asked to drink water before meals while the other group was asked to imagine that they had a full stomach close to the time of consuming food.
According to the Mirror, only tap water was allowed among the group and fizzy and sweetened drinks were banned.
Those encouraged to drink water lost on average 1.3kg more than those who were asked to imagine that they were full.
Dr Helen Parretti heading the study told the publication the beauty of the findings was in the simplicity of its implementation.
In addition, Dr Parretti said the technique does not take a lot of work to implement into busy lifestyles and losing a few extra pounds slowly during the course of a year can be an easy way to aid in the weight loss battle for many individuals.
