Want to lose weight? Study suggests a liquid lunch

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

GENEVA (AFP) — A "liquid lunch" could no longer mean a few pints down the pub, but instead a healthy way to lose weight, according to a study presented Thursday by scientists from food giant Unilever.

The scientists found that bulking up the volume of food with certain gases or water can make you feel fuller than otherwise, and reduces the amount you eat afterwards.

In a study presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Geneva, scientists from Unilever's research laboratories tested on 24 people a full milkshake-like meal, and a half-sized version bulked up with gas similar to that used in aerosol whipped cream.

It turned out that the gas-filled meal actually reduced appetite more than the standard one, according to the research.

"What was...