Fizzy water may offer a slight boost in weight loss by enhancing blood glucose uptake and metabolism—the body’s process of using and converting energy. However, the effects are minimal, and relying solely on carbonated water to shed pounds is not a practical solution, concludes a recent brief analysis published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health.
The author stresses that there are no shortcuts to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Regular physical activity and a balanced diet remain essential for weight management, with the long-term effects of consuming large amounts of carbonated water still unknown.
Carbonated water has been touted as a slimming aid due to its filling nature, which helps curb hunger, speeds up digestion, and may lower blood glucose levels. Despite these claims, the exact mechanism by which fizzy water might affect blood glucose and contribute to weight management is still unclear.
To explore this, the author compared the process of drinking fizzy water to haemodialysis, a treatment where blood is filtered to remove waste and excess water. Haemodialysis alkalinizes blood, producing carbon dioxide (CO₂), which, in turn, is absorbed and converted into bicarbonate (HCO₃) by red blood cells. This process speeds up glucose absorption and use by activating specific enzymes.
Clinical observations during haemodialysis show that blood glucose levels decrease, despite initially higher glucose levels in the dialysate solution. Although similar processes occur with carbonated water, the author emphasizes that its impact on blood glucose is minimal. For instance, during a typical 4-hour haemodialysis session, approximately 9.5 grams of glucose are used, a negligible reduction in glucose levels.
This suggests that while fizzy water may indirectly support weight loss by improving glucose metabolism, its effect is not significant enough to be considered a standalone solution. A balanced diet and regular physical activity remain crucial for long-term weight management.
Furthermore, the consumption of carbonated water can cause digestive issues, particularly for those with sensitive stomachs or pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions. Side effects such as bloating, gas, and the exacerbation of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are possible. The author advises moderation to avoid discomfort while still enjoying potential metabolic benefits.
Professor Sumantra Ray, Executive Director of the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, commented on the analysis, noting that while there is a theoretical link between carbonated water and glucose metabolism, this has yet to be validated through well-designed human intervention studies. He also cautioned that any potential benefits must be weighed against the risks associated with carbonated drinks, which may contain harmful additives such as sodium or glucose.
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