The usual explanation is that the water stretches the stomach and creates a sense of fullness before too much food is consumed. Participants actually consumed about 39 additional grams of food, or roughly 49 more calories, for every extra 100 grams of water they drank. Those who alternated more often between eating and drinking also consumed more food, with each additional switch associated with another 4.4 grams eaten. Faster drinking complicates the patternFor the water analysis, researchers combined data from two earlier laboratory experiments involving 86 adults. “These strategies might help consumers achieve their goals to reduce energy intake,” Cunningham said.