Will consuming drinks with meals make you fat?

This answer is brought to you by many of the Australian nutrition professionals who regularly contribute to a nutrition email discussion group.

There is no scientific evidence whatsoever to support the belief that drinking water with a meal will have any effect on your level of body fat. Water has no kilojoules (energy) and cannot cause fat to be deposited in the body. The only way you can become fatter is to consume more kilojoules of energy than you expend.

Many drinks do contain energy - eg milk, cordials, fruit juices, alcoholic beverages - but they are no more 'fattening' if consumed with a meal than when consumed between meals.

For more information Nutrition Australia recommends:

• Weight for a Change

Back to Frequently Asked Questions Index

[Date issued: February 1999]

Disclaimer: This material is provided on the basis that it constitutes advice of a general nature only. It is not intended to replace the advice of a physician or a dietitian.