05/19/2026
The Effects of 8-Week Hydrogen-Rich Water Consumption on Appetite, Body Composition, Sleep Quality, and Circulating GLP-1 in Obese Men and Women (HYDRAPPET)
This 2025 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined whether drinking hydrogen-rich water (HRW) for 8 weeks could affect appetite, sleep quality, metabolic markers, and body composition in obese men and women. The study included 35 participants who consumed either 1 liter of HRW containing 15 mg of hydrogen daily or placebo water.
Researchers found that HRW significantly reduced food cravings and improved several appetite-related measures compared to the control group. The study also reported improvements in subjective sleep quality and reductions in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
One particularly interesting finding was an increase in circulating glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone involved in appetite regulation, insulin signaling, and satiety. Researchers suggested that hydrogen may influence pathways involved in energy balance and metabolic regulation.
The paper also discusses earlier research showing that molecular hydrogen may:
regulate oxidative stress
improve mitochondrial function
influence gut microbiota
affect appetite-related neurotransmitter systems
support metabolic health
Although HRW improved appetite scores and sleep quality, the study did not show major changes in body weight or body composition during the 8-week trial period. No serious adverse effects were reported.
The authors conclude that hydrogen-rich water may serve as a safe dietary strategy for improving appetite regulation, sleep quality, and certain metabolic markers in individuals with obesity, while noting that larger long-term studies are still needed.
Download this article from Medicina (Todorovic et al 2025):
Background and Objectives: Preliminary studies indicate that dihydrogen (H2) may affect molecular pathways involved in appetite regulation; however, its role in influencing patient-reported appetite outcomes in individuals with obesity remains uncertain. This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-b...
