Health Desk || A new study has challenged the popular belief that drinking water while eating helps reduce hunger and control weight. Researchers found that consuming more water during meals may actually encourage people to eat more.The study, conducted by researchers from Cornell University and Penn State University and published in the scientific journal Appetite, analysed data from two experiments involving 86 adults.Participants were served meals including beef chili or chicken tikka masala along with water and were allowed to eat freely. Researchers monitored their eating patterns through video analysis to examine the relationship between water consumption and food intake.The findings showed that participants who drank more water during meals tended to consume larger amounts of food. Researchers found that every additional 100 grams of water intake was associated with around 39 grams more food consumption, equivalent to nearly 49 extra calories.According to researchers, frequent sips of water during meals may delay the body’s natural feeling of fullness. Water may also refresh taste sensations, making food enjoyable for a longer period and encouraging continued eating.Lead author Dr. Paige Cunningham, assistant professor of nutrition at Cornell University, said water intake may restore the perception of food flavour, which can increase the desire to continue eating.However, researchers cautioned that the study involved a limited number of participants, and further research with larger groups and different types of food is needed before drawing broader conclusions.