Can Fizzy Water Help Lose Weight? Study Finds Out
Fizzy water might aid weight loss by boosting blood glucose uptake and metabolism-the rate at which the body uses and converts energy-but the effects are so small, drinking it can’t be relied on alone to shed the pounds, concludes a brief analysis published in the journal BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health.
The author compared the process of drinking fizzy water with haemodialysis, whereby blood is filtered (dialysed) to remove waste and excess water when the kidneys no longer can, drawing on previously published research.
Haemodialysis turns blood alkaline, primarily producing carbon dioxide (CO₂). Similarly, the CO₂ of fizzy water is absorbed through the stomach lining and is rapidly converted to bicarbonate (HCO3) in red blood cells. This alkalinisation process speeds up glucose absorption and use by activating key enzymes in red blood cells, explains the author.
Clinical observations during haemodialysis show that blood glucose levels fall as blood passes through the dialyser, despite a higher glucose level in the dialysate solution to start with, he adds.
While these findings suggest that fizzy water may indirectly promote weight loss by enhancing the uptake and use of blood glucose, context is key, emphasises the author.
During a typical 4 hour haemodialysis session around 48000 ml of blood flows through the dialyser, resulting in around 9.5 g of glucose being used during the session, he explains.
“Given this minimal glucose reduction, the impact of CO₂ in carbonated water is not a standalone solution for weight loss. A balanced diet and regular physical activity remain crucial components of sustainable weight management,” he insists.
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