Will drinking soup in the morning make you gain weight?

Dec 08, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
Drinking rich, high-calorie soups such as meat broth or cream soup over a long period may lead to excessive calorie intake, as these soups are high in fat, sugar, or starch. Consuming too much can result in surplus calories being converted into body fat. Additionally, because such soups are quickly digested and may cause hunger soon after, they could indirectly increase subsequent food intake, thereby contributing to weight gain. When consuming soup in the morning, it's advisable to choose light, low-fat varieties, control portion sizes, and avoid pairing them with high-fat or high-sugar staple foods.

Generally, drinking light, low-calorie soup in the morning does not lead to weight gain. However, consuming rich soups that are high in oil, sugar, and starch over a long period may result in increased body weight. If you have concerns, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If you choose light soups such as vegetable soup, egg drop soup, or tofu soup—made primarily from vegetables, eggs, and soy products—with minimal oil, salt, and sugar, these options are low in calories and rich in dietary fiber. They help increase satiety and, when paired with staple foods, can reduce overall calorie intake without causing weight gain.

However, regularly consuming high-calorie creamy soups like meat broth, bone soup, or cream-based soups—which are high in fat, sugar, or starch—can lead to excessive calorie intake. The surplus calories may be converted into body fat. Additionally, because such soups digest quickly and may cause hunger soon after, they could indirectly increase food consumption later, contributing to weight gain.

When drinking soup in the morning, opt for light, low-fat varieties and control portion sizes. Avoid pairing them with high-fat, high-sugar staple foods. Aim for diverse ingredients to ensure balanced nutrition. For those concerned about weight, combining soup with protein-rich foods and whole grains can enhance satiety while managing calorie intake, supporting a healthy body weight.