Drinking Water With Meals May Make You Eat More, Not Less

These links between drinking patterns and how much people eat are associative, not proven causes, because they come from secondary analyses rather than randomized tests, so controlled experiments are needed before concluding causation.

Slow sips may increase intake because water that lingers in the mouth heightens contrast with the food and makes the next bite feel more appealing, while fast sips remove that contrast and are associated with smaller meals.

Alternating bites with sips of water can delay sensory specific satiety because the water cleanses the palate so each subsequent bite tastes newer and stays enjoyable, which prolongs eating.

Having water with a meal can increase how much you eat because the liquid lubricates chewing and prevents dry mouth, which speeds eating and prolongs the pleasure of each bite.

Plain water before or between meals usually does not keep you full because it empties from the stomach quickly and therefore does not occupy the stomach long enough to sustain satiety.