Comparing thirst and spot urine concentrations in humans of differing body sizes: An observational study

Physiol Behav. 2022 Mar 1:245:113673. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113673. Epub 2021 Dec 15.

Abstract

Elevated body mass index (BMI) has been associated with elevated urine osmolality (UOsm), despite having higher total water intake, but it is unclear if overweight/obese individuals have reduced thirst. In this observational study, we found that overweight/obese individuals had higher UOsm compared to normal-weight individuals (749 ± 37 vs. 624 ± 35 mmol•kg-1; P < 0.01) while possessing similar thirst ratings (56.4 ± 3 vs. 51.6 ± 3 mm; P = 0.3). In this observational study, overweight/obese individuals possessed more concentrated urine in the absence of higher thirst perception.

Keywords: Obesity; Thirst; Urine osmolality.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Drinking
  • Humans
  • Obesity
  • Osmolar Concentration
  • Overweight*
  • Thirst*