Does Drinking Water Help You Lose Weight?

Water may be the elixir of the gods when it comes to its properties and ability to provide hydration and the essential sustenance for life. As poetic as that sounds, it is quite true. 

Does drinking water help you lose weight?

There are innumerable benefits gained from drinking water regularly on a day-to-day basis. But you ask, can I lose weight too? The answer is yes. It certainly helps!

On the other hand, not drinking enough water will cause you to increase fat deposits and reduce your chances of leading a healthier life. 

Water helps reduce water retention, which seems counterintuitive; however, more water helps the body store the nutrients necessary for our cells. Interestingly, the more overweight you are, the more water you will need.

In the case of weight loss, drinking enough water also reduces overeating, boosts your metabolism, improves satisfaction in your diet and, more importantly, flushes toxins that interfere with weight loss. 

More reasons why you should drink water for your overall health, as you are focusing on weight loss: Water helps the digestive process by lubricating your system and helps break down food and absorb essential nutrients. It also helps with constipation as it addresses the need for the body to need water to process food intake.

As mentioned earlier, water may boost your metabolism and energy expenditure. Water is likely to stimulate thermogenesis or heat up your body to burn a few calories. Of course, water is important to drink when exercising to process the electrolytes you are expending, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. If you are not replenishing the water and electrolytes lost during exercise and sweating, you will break down your protein stores and affect your muscle gains.

Another benefit of sufficient water intake is the tendency towards fat loss. Animal studies in 2016 showed that mild dehydration caused a decrease in lipolysis (fat loss); on the other hand, hydrating may increase fat loss. This has not been extrapolated to humans, but it is likely to help. 

When it comes down to it, staying hydrated is important for so many reasons, with weight loss certainly being a key factor for a lot of people. Your thirst should give you a signal to drink. However, drink before you are thirsty. Keep a bottle of water at your desk, at your bedside, on your walks, fitness activities, etc. Yes, you can drink too much water, so consider the standard rule: drink half of your body weight in ounces of fluid per day.

Remember: Water is the gift that keeps on giving! And it may offer a huge advantage in your weight-loss journey.