It is the fact that drinking chilled or lukewarm sparkling water goes beyond the effect it delivers as the ultimate thirst quencher. Whether women or men, Nigerians who launched 2025  thinking they needed to enhance commitments to their protracted weight loss journey as part of a set of resolutions possibly had the best natural hack all along but didn’t know it.

In the bustling cities of Nigeria, where the streets are often littered with empty bottles of carbonated water, a new study is shedding light on an unexpected benefit of this fizzy beverage. Dr. Akira Takahashi from the Tesseikai Neurosurgical Hospital in Shijonawate, Japan, has published research suggesting that carbonated water can aid in burning body fat and improving metabolism. This revelation is perhaps a welcome surprise, so how will it all work for good?

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First is to dive into the science around sparkling or carbonated water to burn fat. When carbonated water is consumed, says Dr. Takahashi who works out of the hospital’s dialysis centre, CO2 is absorbed into the blood vessels in the stomach.

This was the physician’s guiding note to CNN Health probing further into his independently-funded research. The study, published via the journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health this month explores how carbonated water can influence the body’s metabolism.

When consumed, the carbon dioxide (CO2) in the water is absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach lining. This CO2 is then rapidly converted into bicarbonate ions, which increases the alkalinity of red blood cells. This process, known as alkalinisation, enhances the cells’ ability to absorb and utilise glucose, thereby lowering blood sugar levels.

Dr. Takahashi’s research builds on previous studies that have shown similar effects during hemodialysis, a process used in kidney dialysis, like “The mechanism of hypoglycemia caused by hemodialysis” written by the Japanese in 2004.

According to his latest work documented in BMJ Nutrition on 21 January, during hemodialysis, CO2 enters the blood and helps lower glucose levels. It is this process that suggests that drinking carbonated water can mimic this effect, although to a lesser extent.

Mixing it up

While the findings are promising, experts caution against relying solely on carbonated water for weight loss. Such as Professor Keith Frayn, an emeritus professor of human metabolism at the University of Oxford, points out that the amount of glucose burned during this process is minimal and unlikely to result in significant weight loss.

Professor Frayn emphasises that a balanced diet and regular exercise remain essential components of effective weight management. I am sceptical of the claimed mechanism, he was reported to have told The London Standard today. His view came alongside a few other reactions put forward to balance Dr. Akira Takahashi’s position.

Even if it were possible to show that the carbon dioxide in fizzy drinks increases the use of glucose by red blood cells, that will not necessarily lead to weight loss. Red blood cells cannot fully ‘burn’ the glucose and it will be recycled by the liver.

Dr. Liza Osagie from the general practitioner, longevity and medical service SOLICE Health also chipped in a remark which echoes the previous sentiment, noting that while fizzy water may temporarily reduce hunger by providing a sense of fullness, its long-term effects as a weight loss strategy are unclear. All suggest that work from the Tesseikai Neurosurgical Hospital in Shijonawate, Japan isn’t done.

Practical implications for Nigerians

For Nigerians watching their weight, incorporating carbonated water into their daily routine can be a helpful tool, but it should not be seen as a magic bullet.

The primary benefit of sparkling water lies in its ability to create a feeling of fullness, which can help curb hunger and reduce overall calorie intake. Additionally, replacing sugary beverages with carbonated water can help cut excess calories and improve hydration.

However, it is important to consume carbonated water in moderation. Excessive consumption can lead to bloating and abdominal discomfort, particularly for individuals with sensitive stomachs or pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions. Experts recommend limiting intake to one or two cans per day to avoid these side effects.

While carbonated water offers some intriguing benefits for weight management, it should be viewed as a complementary tool rather than a standalone solution.

Those looking to achieve their weight loss goals should focus on maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, and incorporating healthy habits into their daily lives. Sparkling water can be a refreshing and enjoyable part of this journey, but it is not a substitute for the fundamental pillars of weight loss: diet and exercise.

By embracing a holistic approach to health and wellness, any Nigerian can make the most of the new year and work towards achieving their weight loss resolutions with confidence and determination.

Meiza Nigeria