Can water help you lose weight?

Many studies support the theory that drinking water is beneficial for weight loss. Also, hydration is key for many factors that play a role in weight loss, including digestion and muscle function.

Many studies show some positive correlation between increased water consumption and weight loss. Below are six reasons that water may help with losing weight.

1. Water is a natural appetite suppressant

When the stomach senses that it is full, it sends signals to the brain to stop eating.
Water can help to take up space in the stomach, leading to a feeling of fullness and reducing hunger.
A person may also think that they are hungry when they are actually thirsty. Drinking a glass of water before reaching for something to eat can help to curb unnecessary snacking.

2. Water increases calorie burning

Some research indicates that drinking water can help to burn calories. Water may also temporarily increase the body’s resting energy expenditure, or the number of calories burned while resting.
Drinking cold water may further enhance water’s calorie-burning benefits, because the body expends energy, or calories, by heating up the water for digestion.

3. Water helps to remove waste from the body

Water helps the kidneys to filter toxins and waste while the organ retains essential nutrients and electrolytes. When the body is dehydrated, the kidneys retain fluid.
When waste builds up in the body, people may feel bloated, swollen, and tired. Bloating can add inches to a person’s waist. Staying hydrated is a good way to avoid retaining waste, which may add a few extra pounds.

4. Drinking water can reduce overall liquid calorie intake

It is easy to accumulate liquid calories by drinking soda, juice, or sweetened coffee or tea. Most people also ignore how many calories they consume in sports drinks or alcoholic beverages.
Replacing even a few high-calorie drinks each day for water or other no-calorie beverages, such as herbal tea, may have long-term weight loss benefits.

5. Water is necessary to burn fat

Without water, the body cannot properly metabolize stored fat or carbohydrates.
Drinking enough water is essential for burning off fat from food and drink, as well as stored fat.

6. Water helps with workouts

One of the most important components of any weight loss plan is exercise.
Water helps muscles, connective tissues, and joints to move correctly. It also helps the lungs, heart, and other organs to work effectively as they ramp up activity during exercise.
There is no standard recommendation for how much water to drink. Most health authorities suggest ranges for daily water intake, for example 2,7L for adult women and 3,7L for adult men.
 

Sources: Medical News Today