Adults with severe obesity who receive a very low-calorie, high-protein diet through a feeding tube for 150 days show higher levels of water inside their cells and overall body water compared to those eating the same diet by mouth, indicating better cellular hydration.
Evidence from Studies
No evidence studies found yet.
What Would Prove This
Per GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this claim, ordered from strongest to weakest.
Whether enteral PSMF consistently improves total and intracellular water content compared to oral PSMF in obese adults, independent of weight loss.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of all RCTs comparing NGT vs. oral PSMF in adults with BMI > 35, measuring total body water and intracellular water via bioimpedance spectroscopy at 12–24 weeks, including at least 8 studies with 50+ participants each, adjusting for baseline hydration status and sodium intake.
Whether NGT PSMF causes increased intracellular water compared to oral PSMF in a larger, blinded population.
A double-blind RCT with 150 adults aged 30–65 with BMI > 35, randomized to NGT or oral PSMF with identical macronutrients, using placebo tubes, measuring total and intracellular water via bioimpedance spectroscopy at baseline and 150 days as primary endpoints.
Whether long-term NGT PSMF use is associated with sustained improvements in cellular hydration and reduced inflammation markers.
A prospective cohort study following 500 adults with severe obesity receiving PSMF via NGT or orally for 2 years, measuring annual changes in intracellular water (BIA) and inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6), adjusting for protein intake, sodium, and physical activity.
Whether individuals with low intracellular water during PSMF are less likely to have received enteral delivery.
A case-control study comparing 100 adults with severe obesity who had ICW <20 L after 150 days of PSMF (cases) to 100 with ICW >24 L (controls), assessing delivery method, protein intake, and hydration status, matched for baseline ICW and BMI.
Whether, at a single point in time, NGT PSMF users have higher intracellular water than oral PSMF users in clinical practice.
A cross-sectional survey of 1000 adults with severe obesity on PSMF, measuring intracellular water via BIA and recording delivery method, duration, and fluid intake, adjusting for age, sex, and BMI.