Effect of daily fruit ingestion on angiotensin converting enzyme activity, blood pressure, and oxidative stress in chronic smokers

OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether, daily fruit (blueberries) consumption (250 g) for three weeks or acute fruit ingestion (250 g) would attenuate angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity and reduce oxidative stress in chronic cigarette smokers. METHODS: Twenty subjects were recruited and randomized into fruit or control groups. Blood samples and blood pressure were obtained at baseline and then pre and one hour post when subjects returned to the lab three weeks later. To examine acute effects, the fruit group immediately ingested 250 g of blueberries after returning and at least one hour prior to the post blood draw. Plasma samples were analyzed for ACE activity, F(2)- isoprostanes and lipid hydroperoxides (LH) as measures of oxidative stress, and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) as a measure of antioxidant potential. A 2 (treatment) x 3 (time) repeated measures ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. If interaction was significant, then Student's t-tests were used to further examine this relationship. For these comparisons, a Bonferroni adjustment was made with statistical significance set at P < 0.025. RESULTS: The pattern of change between treatments was not significant for any variable except LH (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study indicates that LH are significantly reduced by daily fruit consumption, but not affected by acute ingestion. This finding could be one way in which fruit consumption contributes to prevention of cardiovascular disease.     

Influence of Sibutramine on Energy Expenditure in African American Women

Objective: African American women have a high prevalence of obesity, which partially may be explained by their lower rates of resting energy expenditure (REE). The aim of this study was to examine the influence of acute sibutramine administration on REE and post‐exercise energy expenditure in African American women. Research Methods and Procedures: A total of 15 premenopausal, African American women (age, 29 ± 5 years; body fat, 38 ± 7%) completed a randomized, double‐blind cross‐over design with a 30‐mg ingestion of sibutramine or a placebo. Each trial was completed a month apart in the follicular phase and included a 30‐minute measurement of REE 2.5 hours after sibutramine or placebo administration. This was followed by 40 minutes of cycling at ～70% of peak aerobic capacity and a subsequent 2‐hour measurement of post‐cycling energy expenditure. Results: There was no difference (p > 0.05) in REE (23.70 ± 2.81 vs. 23.69 ± 2.95 kcal/30 min), exercise oxygen consumption (1.22 ± 0.15 vs. 1.25 ± 0.15 liter/min), and post‐cycling energy expenditure (104.2 ± 12.7 vs. 104.9 ± 11.4 kcal/120 min) between the sibutramine and placebo trials, respectively. Cycling heart rate was significantly higher (p = 0.01) during the sibutramine (158 ± 14 beats/min) vs. placebo (150 ± 12 beats/min) trials. Discussion: These data demonstrate that acute sibutramine ingestion does not increase REE or post‐exercise energy expenditures but does increase exercising heart rate in overweight African American women. Sibutramine may, therefore, impact weight loss through energy intake and not energy expenditure mechanisms.     

Growth hormone for risk stratification and effects of therapy in acute myocardial infarction

Abstract

Context: Excess growth hormone (GH) is associated with early mortality.

Objectives: We assessed the association of GH with prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and the effects of secondary prevention therapies.

Methods: GH was measured using a high-sensitivity assay in 953 AMI patients (687 males, mean age 66.1?±?12.8 years).

Results: During 2 years follow-up, there were 281 major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Patients with MACE had higher GH levels (median [range], 0.91 [0.04–26.28] μg/L) compared to event-free survivors (0.59 [0.02–21.6], p?<?0.0005). In multivariate Cox survival analysis, GH was a significant predictor of MACE (hazard ratios 1.43, p?=?0.026 and 1.49, p?=?0.01, respectively) with significant interactions with beta blocker therapy (p?=?0.047) and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ACE/ARB) therapy (p?=?0.016).

Conclusions: GH levels post-AMI are prognostic for MACE and may indicate those patients who benefit from beta blocker and ACE/ARB therapy.     

Fruit consumption in migratory passerines is limited by water ingestion rather than by body water balance

Many insectivorous passerines become frugivorous during migration. Because water may facilitate the digestion of dry fruits, some passerines may benefit from staging in stopover sites that offer access to drinking water. In autumn, water consumption by blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla staging in Israel was found to induce a shift from insectivory to frugivory. We tested two alternative hypotheses concerning the mechanism facilitating consumption of the relatively dry fruits which are common in this region: 1) water intake facilitates the passage of fruits within the digestive tract when these two resources are simultaneously ingested, and 2) improved body water balance allows the consumption and ingestion of large amounts of dry fruits. Blackcaps were subjected to five treatments that included temporal separation of water and fruit consumption, as well as subcutaneous water injection to maintain balanced body water in water‐deprived birds. Fruit consumption rate was measured daily. We found that only simultaneous provisioning of water and fruits significantly increased fruit consumption rate, implying that drinking water directly improves fruit digestion within the digestive system. Furthermore, the fuel deposition rate increased with increased fruit consumption rate. These results emphasize the importance of water availability for the ecology and conservation of migrating passerines.     

Methylated arginines and nitric oxide in end-stage renal disease: impact of inflammation,oxidative stress and haemodialysis

Abstract

Objectives: To determine whether inflammation (C-reactive protein, CRP), oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, MDA) or haemodialysis (HD) affect associations between asymmetric (ADMA), symmetric (SDMA) dimethylarginine, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) and nitrite/nitrate (NOx) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Method: Metabolites were measured pre-HD, after 1 hour and end-HD in 40 ESRD patients (age 63?±?14 years).

Results: Positive associations between NOx and ADMA (p?=?0.04), SDMA (p?<?0.001) and L-NMMA (p?=?0.04) were observed pre-HD. Associations weakened during HD but were not significantly influenced by CRP or MDA.

Conclusions: HD, oxidative stress or inflammation did not significantly affect the positive associations between methylated arginines and NOx in ESRD.     

Aerobic training reduces oxidative stress in skeletal muscle of rats exposed to air pollution and supplemented with chromium picolinate

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of chromium picolinate (CrPic) supplementation associated with aerobic exercise using measures of oxidative stress in rats exposed to air pollution.

Methods: Sixty-one male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups: residual oil fly ash (ROFA) exposure and sedentary (ROFA-SED); ROFA exposure, sedentary and supplemented (ROFA-SED-CrPic); ROFA exposure and trained (ROFA-AT); ROFA exposure, supplemented and trained (ROFA-AT-CrPic); sedentary (Sal-SED); sedentary and supplemented (Sal-SED-CrPic); trained (Sal-AT); and supplemented and trained (Sal-AT-CrPic). Rats exposed to ROFA (air pollution) received 50?µg of ROFA daily via intranasal instillation. Supplemented rats received CrPic (1?mg/kg/day) daily by oral gavage. Exercise training was performed on a rat treadmill (5×/week). Oxidative parameters were evaluated at the end of protocols.

Results: Trained groups demonstrated lower gain of body mass (P?P?P?P?=?.0014), although CAT activity did not differ among groups (P?=?.4487).

Conclusion: Air pollution exposure did not lead to alterations in oxidative markers in lungs and heart, and exercise training was responsible for decreasing oxidative stress of the gastrocnemius.     

Protective effect of Zizyphus lotus jujube fruits against cypermethrin-induced oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in mice

Context: Cypermethrin (CYP) is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide used worldwide in agriculture, home pest control. The toxicity of CYP is well studied in many organisms.

Objective: The aim of present study was to investigate the protective effect of Zizyphus lotus (Zizyp) fruit against neurotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by CYP in mice.

Materials and methods: Mice were divided into four groups of six each: groups I and II were used as control and CYP control (20?mg/kg body weight). While, groups III was orally treated with Zizyphus lotus fruit (5?g/kg body weight) plus CYP (20?mg/kg body weight) for 18?days. Furthermore, HPLC–ESI–MS–MS (Q-Tof) and GC–MS were used to identify the compounds fraction.

Results: Antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT), neurotoxicity enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)_, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined in the liver, kidney and heart. CYP caused decreased CAT activity, inhibition of AChE activity and increased the levels of H₂O₂ and MDA in heart, liver and kidney.

Conclusion: Our results indicate that Zizyp fruit is markedly effective in protecting mice against CYP-induced biochemical changes. This protection may be due to its antioxidant property and scavenging ability against active free radicals.     

Hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory properties of phenolic rich Butia odorata fruit extract: potential involvement of paraoxonase activity

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated the effects of polar Butia odorata fruit extract on metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters in rats submitted to a hyperlipidaemia condition induced by tyloxapol.

Methods: Animals were divided into 3 groups: saline, saline plus tyloxapol, and B. odorata extract plus tyloxapol. Animals were treated for 15?days with a saline solution or B. odorata fruit extract and after hyperlipidaemia was induced by tyloxapol.

Results: Treatment with B. odorata extract reduced serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, C-reactive protein, and adenosine deaminase and butyrylcholinesterase activities when compared to the tyloxapol group. HDL-cholesterol and paraoxonase 1 activity were higher in B. odorata extract treated animals when compared to tyloxapol-treated animals. No differences were observed in hepatic oxidative stress parameters. Phenolic compounds present in B. odorata fruit extract were identified and quantified by LC-MS/MS.

Conclusion: These findings indicated that phenolic rich B. odorata extract has hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects in hyperlipidemic rats.     

Comparative antioxidant-capacity and -content of leaves, bulbs, roots, flowers and fruit of Gethyllis multifolia L. Bolus and G. villosa Thunb. species

The total polyphenol, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), radical cation scavenging ability, flavonol and flavanone contents were measured in the leaves, bulbs, roots, flowers and fruit (dry weight) of two natural populations of Gethyllis multifolia (Kukumakranka) and Gethyllis villosa. The flowers and fruit of G. multifolia and G. villosa showed higher, and in some cases significantly (P < 0.05) higher antioxidant activities when compared to the leaves, bulbs and roots. This, however, was not true for the flavanone content in both species. The total polyphenol content in the fruits of G. multifolia (21.54 mg GAE/g) and G. villosa (27.64 mg GAE/g) were found to be in agreement with those of raisins (28.30 mg GAE/g), blueberries (24 mg GAE/g) and strawberries (15.40 mg GAE/g). The FRAP values of G. multifolia flowers (76.66 μmole AAE/g) and fruit (91.51 μmole AAE/g) were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of the other plant parts (16.76 to 39.08 μmol AAE/g). On the other hand, the flowers (590.23 μmol TE/g) and fruit (741.16 μmol TE/g) of G. villosa revealed a significantly (P < 0.05) higher ORAC when compared to the other plant parts (251.25 to 410.60 μmol TE/g). A strong correlation was evident in the fruit of both species between the total polyphenols and FRAP (r = 0.95), ORAC (r = 0.95) and flavonol content (r = 0.79).     

Antioxidant activity of blueberry fruit is impaired by association with milk

The antioxidant properties of dietary phenolics are believed to be reduced in vivo because of their affinity for proteins. In this study we assessed the bioavailability of phenolics and the in vivo plasma antioxidant capacity after the consumption of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) with and without milk. In a crossover design, 11 healthy human volunteers consumed either (a) 200 g of blueberries plus 200 ml of water or (b) 200 g of blueberries plus 200 ml of whole milk. Venous samples were collected at baseline and at 1, 2, and 5 h postconsumption. Ingestion of blueberries increased plasma levels of reducing and chain-breaking potential (+ 6.1%, p < 0.001; + 11.1%, p < 0.05) and enhanced plasma concentrations of caffeic and ferulic acid. When blueberries and milk were ingested there was no increase in plasma antioxidant capacity. There was a reduction in the peak plasma concentrations of caffeic and ferulic acid (? 49.7%, p < 0.001, and ? 19.8%, p < 0.05, respectively) as well as the overall absorption (AUC) of caffeic acid (p < 0.001). The ingestion of blueberries in association with milk, thus, impairs the in vivo antioxidant properties of blueberries and reduces the absorption of caffeic acid.     

Effect of a thermogenic beverage on 24-hour energy metabolism in humans

Objective: To test whether consumption of a beverage containing active ingredients will increase 24‐hour energy metabolism in healthy, young, lean individuals. Research Method and Procedures: Thirty‐one male and female subjects consumed 3 × 250‐mL servings of a beverage containing green tea catechins, caffeine, and calcium for 3 days in a single‐center, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over design study. On the 3rd day, 23‐hour energy metabolism, extrapolated to 24‐hour, was measured in a calorimeter chamber. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured, and total day and night urines were analyzed for urea and catecholamine excretion. Results: Twenty‐four‐hour energy expenditure (EE) and 24‐hour fat oxidation were lower in women than in men (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.015, respectively). Although there were no treatment or treatment/gender effects on substrate oxidation, treatment increased 24‐hour EE by 106 ± 31 kcal/24 hours (p = 0.002), equivalent to 4.7 ± 1.6 kcal/h (day; p = 0.005) and 3.3 ± 1.5 kcal/h (night; p = 0.04). No significant differences were observed in hemodynamic parameters. Discussion: The present study provides evidence that consumption of a beverage containing green tea catechins, caffeine, and calcium increases 24‐hour EE by 4.6%, but the contribution of the individual ingredients cannot be distinguished. Although this increase is modest, the results are discussed in relation to proposed public health goals, indicating that such modifications are sufficient to prevent weight gain. When consumed regularly as part of a healthy diet and exercise regime, such a beverage may provide benefits for weight control.     

Self-reported sugar-sweetened beverage intake among college students

Objective: To characterize sugar‐sweetened beverage intake of college students. Research Methods and Procedures: Undergraduates in an urban southern community campus were surveyed anonymously about sugared beverage consumption (soda, fruit drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, sweet ice tea) in the past month. Results: Two hundred sixty‐five undergraduates responded (66% women, 46% minority, 100% of volunteers solicited). Most students (95%) reported sugared beverage intake in the past month, and 65% reported daily intake. Men were more likely than women to report daily intake (74% vs. 61%, p = 0.035). Soda was the most common sugar‐sweetened beverage. Black undergraduates reported higher sugared beverage intake than whites (p = 0.02), with 91% of blacks reporting sugar‐sweetened fruit drink intake in the past month and 50% reporting daily consumption. Mean estimated caloric intake from combined types of sugar‐sweetened beverages was significantly higher among black students than whites, 796 ± 941 vs. 397 ± 396 kcal/d (p = 0.0003); the primary source of sugar‐sweetened beverage calories among blacks was sugared fruit drinks (556 ± 918 kcal/d). Younger undergraduates reported significantly higher intake than older students (p = 0.025). Discussion: Self‐reported sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption among undergraduates is substantial and likely contributes considerable non‐nutritive calories, which may contribute to weight gain. Black undergraduates may be particularly vulnerable due to higher sugared beverage intake. Obesity prevention interventions targeting reductions in sugar‐sweetened beverages in this population merit consideration.     

The Effects of Water and Fertilizer Coupling on Plant and Soil Nitrogen Characteristics and Fruit Growth of Rabbiteye Blueberry Plants in a Semi-Arid Region in China

To evaluate the effects of nitrogen (N) and irrigation coupling on the soil N distribution, plant N utilization, and fruit yield of rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium virgatum), a field experiment was designed using two factors (water and fertilizer application) with four levels of irrigation and three levels of fertilization, and a control. Under the different water and fertilizer combinations, N primarily accumulated in the leaves. Irrigation and N application within appropriate ranges (pure N ≤ 29 g/plant and irrigation volume ≤ 2.5 L/plant) significantly improved the blueberry fruit yield. Increases in water and N within these ranges promoted the effective accumulation of N in various organs and the absorption and utilization of N in the plants, which ultimately promoted blueberry yield. With increased N application rate, the nitrate N content of the 0–20 cm and 20–50 cm soil layers increased. With increased irrigation volume, the nitrate N content of the 0–20 cm soil layer decreased, while the nitrate content in the 20–50 cm soil layer increased. Low N and moderate water treatments resulted in high fruit yields and reduced nitrate N retention in the soil. Under these conditions, the economic input-output ratio was high and the soil N accumulation was low, and thus the economic and ecological benefits were maximized.

     

Effect of Fat Sources on Satiety

Objective: There are inconsistent reports on the satiety value of different fatty acids. This study compared the appetitive effects of two fat sources rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (peanut oil and canola oil) with a source rich in saturated fatty acids (butter). Research Methods and Procedures: After an overnight fast, lean participants completed a questionnaire eliciting information about hunger, fullness, desire to eat, and prospective consumption. They then consumed one of the preloads (muffins containing 40 g of each fat source or no fat) and 150 mL of water within 15 minutes. Questionnaires were completed again 30, 60, and 120 minutes after preload ingestion. Participants kept dietary records during the subsequent 24 hours. Results: Canola and peanut oil muffins resulted in higher fullness, and butter, canola, and peanut oil muffins resulted in lower hunger ratings 30, 60, and 120 minutes after preload ingestion compared with the fat‐free preload. No differences were observed among the fat‐containing loads. Although energy intake 24 hours after consumption of the preloads was also comparable on days the three fat‐containing loads were consumed, energy consumption after each study session was higher when the fat‐free muffins were provided. However, total energy intake, including the calories provided by the preloads, was similar across treatments. Discussion: These data do not support a differential satiety effect of fat sources rich in monounsaturated fatty acids relative to one rich in saturated fatty acids.     

In vivo assessment of antidiabetic and antioxidative activity of natural phytochemical isolated from fruit-pulp of Eugenia jambolana in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Objectives: Eugenia jambolana (E. jambolana) is well known for its antidiabetic potential. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antidiabetic and antioxidative effect of an active compound (FIIc) isolated from fruit-pulp of E. jambolana in streptozotocin (45?mg/kg body weight)-induced diabetic rats.

Methods: FIIc was isolated from the crude aqueous extract of fruit-pulp by ion-exchange column chromatography and high-performance column chromatography. Detailed UV, NMR, and IR spectra suggested that FIIc is α-hydroxy succinamic acid. FIIc was orally administered to diabetic rats at a dose of 10, 15, and 20?mg/kg body weight (mg/kg bwt.) to determine its effective dose. Thereafter, effective dose was administered to 8 weeks to determine its antidiabetic and antioxidative activity by estimation of glycemic index, lipid profile, key enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism, and oxidative stress parameters.

Results: Administration of 15?mg/kg dose daily for 8 weeks led to significant (P?P?Discussion: The results demonstrate that FIIc possesses significant antidiabetic and antioxidative activity.     

Influence of Methylphenidate on Eating in Obese Men

Objective: Rapid synaptic dopamine transport or reduced brain dopamine receptor signaling may influence energy intake. Methylphenidate, a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, increases brain synaptic dopamine and produces anorexia, suggesting that it may reduce energy intake. We investigated the effects of two doses of short‐acting methylphenidate on energy intake over one meal in obese adult males. Research Methods and Procedures: Nine obese males (>85th BMI percentile) ingested a placebo or a moderate dose (0.5 mg/kg) or a high dose (1.0 mg/kg) of methylphenidate in a within‐subject double‐blind acute laboratory study. One hour after ingestion, pizza consumption was measured in a naturalistic laboratory setting. Results: Participants reduced energy intake by 23% for the moderate dose vs. the placebo (p < 0.02), but there was no significant difference for the high dose vs. the moderate dose (p > 0.05). Participants consumed 34% fewer kilocalories after ingesting the lowest effective dose of methylphenidate compared with placebo (725.7 ± 404.5 vs.1095 ± 271.1 kcal, p < 0.01). Seven of nine subjects responded to the moderate dose. The increase in perceived drug effect above placebo was correlated with the reduction in energy intake for both the moderate (r = ?0.85, p = 0.004) and the high (r = ?0.75 p = 0.021) doses. Hunger scores were not different across drug doses or placebo before drug administration. Discussion: Methylphenidate reduced energy intake of a highly palatable food over one meal by one‐third in obese adult males. Dopamine transport inhibition may be an effective component of a comprehensive treatment for obesity.     

Feeding blueberry diets inhibits angiotensin II-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rats

Feeding flavonoid-rich blueberries to spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rats (SHRSP) lowers blood pressure. To determine whether this is due to inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, as seen with other flavanoid-rich foods, we fed blueberries to SHRSP and normotensive rats and analyzed ACE activity in blood and tissues. After 2 weeks on a control diet, the hypertensive rats showed 56% higher levels of ACE activity in blood as compared with the normotensive rats (p < 0.05). Feeding a 3% blueberry diet for 2 weeks lowered ACE activity in the SHRSP (p < 0.05) but not the normotensive rats. ACE activity in plasma of SHRSP was no longer elevated at weeks 4 and 6, but blueberry feeding inhibited ACE in SHRSP after 6 weeks. Blueberry diets had no effect on ACE activity in lung, testis, kidney, or aorta. Our results suggest that dietary blueberries may be effective in managing early stages of hypertension, partially due to an inhibition of soluble ACE activity.     

An almond-enriched diet increases plasma α-tocopherol and improves vascular function but does not affect oxidative stress markers or lipid levels

Abstract

Vascular dysfunction is one of the major causes of cardiovascular (CV) mortality and increases with age. Epidemiological studies suggest that Mediterranean diets and high nut consumption reduce CV disease risk and mortality while increasing plasma α-tocopherol. Therefore, we have investigated whether almond supplementation can improve oxidative stress markers and CV risk factors over 4 weeks in young and middle-aged men.

Healthy middle-aged men (56 ± 5.8 years), healthy young men (22.1 ± 2.9 years) and young men with two or more CV risk factors (27.3 ± 5 years) consumed 50 g almond/day for 4 weeks. A control group maintained habitual diets over the same period.

Plasma α-tocopherol/cholesterol ratios were not different between groups at baseline and were significantly elevated by almond intervention with 50 g almond/day for 4 weeks (p < 0.05). Plasma protein oxidation and nitrite levels were not different between groups whereas, total-, HDL- and LDL-cholesterols and triglycerides were significantly higher in healthy middle-aged and young men with CV risk factors but were not affected by intake. In the almond-consuming groups, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) improved and systolic blood pressure reduced significantly after 50 g almonds/day for 4 weeks, but diastolic blood pressure reduced only in healthy men.

In conclusion, a short-term almond-enriched diet can increase plasma α-tocopherol and improve vascular function in asymptomatic healthy men aged between 20 and 70 years without any effect on plasma lipids or markers of oxidative stress.     

Water Consumption Increases Weight Loss During a Hypocaloric Diet Intervention in Middle‐aged and Older Adults

Water consumption acutely reduces meal energy intake (EI) among middle‐aged and older adults. Our objectives were to determine if premeal water consumption facilitates weight loss among overweight/obese middle‐aged and older adults, and to determine if the ability of premeal water consumption to reduce meal EI is sustained after a 12‐week period of increased water consumption. Adults (n = 48; 55–75 years, BMI 25–40 kg/m²) were assigned to one of two groups: (i) hypocaloric diet + 500 ml water prior to each daily meal (water group), or (ii) hypocaloric diet alone (nonwater group). At baseline and week 12, each participant underwent two ad libitum test meals: (i) no preload (NP), and (ii) 500 ml water preload (WP). Meal EI was assessed at each test meal and body weight was assessed weekly for 12 weeks. Weight loss was ～2 kg greater in the water group than in the nonwater group, and the water group (β = ?0.87, P < 0.001) showed a 44% greater decline in weight over the 12 weeks than the nonwater group (β = ?0.60, P < 0.001). Test meal EI was lower in the WP than NP condition at baseline, but not at week 12 (baseline: WP 498 ± 25 kcal, NP 541 ± 27 kcal, P = 0.009; 12‐week: WP 480 ± 25 kcal, NP 506 ± 25 kcal, P = 0.069). Thus, when combined with a hypocaloric diet, consuming 500 ml water prior to each main meal leads to greater weight loss than a hypocaloric diet alone in middle‐aged and older adults. This may be due in part to an acute reduction in meal EI following water ingestion.