We would all like to find a shortcut to lose weight, or stay fit, without effort and without giving up. Also for this reason, we probably return to talking with some regularity about the possible slimming effect of sparkling water: demonized by some, loved by many, and often called into question as a possible secret weapon against extra pounds. What’s true? Recently, Matteo Bassetti, director of the infectious diseases clinic at the San Martino hospital in Genoa, was called to take sides in an interview with Corriere Cook, and confirmed the possible slimming effects of sparkling water, although reminding us not to expect miracles. Let’s take a closer look at what he said, and why.
The Japanese study
The most recent scientific data on the topic comes from a Japanese study, published last year in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health. The author is Akira Takahashi, a hemodialysis specialist at the Tesseikai neurosurgical hospital, and starts from the comparison with the effects of dialysis (the therapy used to clean the blood in cases of severe forms of renal failure) to evaluate the potential metabolic effects of sparkling water. During the procedure, the patients’ body is exposed to high levels of carbon dioxide, and a drop in blood sugar levels is observed in the body, despite the fact that high levels of glucose are present in the solution used to filter the blood.
The explanation has to do with the effects of CO2, capable of promoting glycolysis (the process by which glucose is burned to produce energy). For this reason, the author of the study believes that a similar, albeit less pronounced, effect is also likely when we ingest carbon dioxide by drinking sparkling water. If in that context carbon dioxide affects the absorption of glucose, it is plausible that a minimal effect could also occur here”, confirms Bassetti in the interview with Corriere Cook. “However, we are talking about modest variations – adds the infectious disease specialist -, not about clinically revolutionary results”.
Not a magic wand, but maybe a little help
In fact, four hours of dialysis consumes about nine and a half grams of glucose (the equivalent of four or five teaspoons of sugar). Drinking sparkling water certainly has even less marked metabolic effects, and it is therefore clear that its ability to increase energy consumption is not sufficient to produce appreciable effects on weight. At least on its own: placed in the context of a healthy and active life, the consumption of sparkling water could still give that extra boost that helps you stay fit, or lose weight with a diet.
Even more so – confirms Bassetti – that its slimming effects are also linked to other aspects. First of all, the ability to increase the sense of satiety. “The bubbles distend the stomach and increase the feeling of fullness – recalls the infectious disease specialist -. If I drink sparkling water before a meal, I might feel full sooner and eat less. It doesn’t apply to everyone, but it can help”.
Another advantage that should not be underestimated concerns the palatability of sparkling water, that is, its pleasant taste: in fact, we choose it because it seems better than still water. And if drinking sparkling water keeps you away from sugary drinks and alcohol – extremely rich in calories – it is clear that the figure can only benefit from it. “We are not talking about a magic wand – underlines Bassetti -. Sparkling water does not make you lose weight on its own. But it can be a small support within a healthy lifestyle”. And that’s probably enough. Unless you suffer from reflux or gastrointestinal disorders, which can worsen by consuming water with bubbles. In these cases, therefore, it is better to seek help elsewhere to stay fit.