The latest nutrition recommendations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture advised people to drink water when they’re thirsty. These recommendations were based on data dealing with dehydration, temperature regulation, and metabolic control. Many nutritional scientists strongly disagreed. Many partially blame overconsumption of high-sugar soft drinks for the current obesity epidemic in America. The typical teenager or young adult consumes 300 more calories per day than 25 years ago, largely because of an increased consumption of high-sugar soft drinks.
A literature review by Jodi Stookey from the Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute in California reported that drinking water in place of caloric beverages reduces daily energy consumption. Also, water does not stimulate insulin release, which is important for fat storage. Drinking more water prevents weight gain in children and promotes weight loss in adults.
Source: Nutrition Today, 45:7-12