Yes, water can help you reduce weight naturally in a few ways:
- Reduces calorie intake. Water is calorie-free, so drinking it instead of sugary drinks can help you cut back on your daily calorie intake. For example, a 12-ounce can of soda contains about 150 calories, while a glass of water has zero calories.
- Suppresses appetite. Drinking water before meals can help you feel fuller, which can lead to eating less food. One study found that people who drank 500 mL (about 17 ounces) of water before meals lost an average of 4.4 pounds (2 kg) more weight over a 12-week period than those who didn't drink water before meals.
- Boosts metabolism. Water plays a role in many metabolic processes, including the breakdown of fat. Some studies have shown that drinking water can temporarily boost metabolism, which can help you burn more calories. For example, one study found that people who drank 500 mL of water burned an average of 24–30% more calories in the hour after drinking the water.
- Improves exercise performance. Water is essential for good exercise performance. When you're dehydrated, your body can't work as efficiently, and you're more likely to experience fatigue and muscle cramps. Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after exercise can help you perform your best and burn more calories.
- Helps the body remove waste. Water helps the body flush out toxins and waste products. When you're dehydrated, these toxins can build up in your body and lead to weight gain and other health problems. Drinking plenty of water can help you stay hydrated and promote weight loss.
It's important to note that water alone is not a magic bullet for weight loss. To lose weight and keep it off, you need to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. However, drinking plenty of water can be a helpful part of your weight loss plan.
Here are some tips for drinking more water:
- Keep a water bottle with you at all times and refill it often.
- Set reminders on your phone or computer to drink water throughout the day.
- Add flavor to your water with slices of fruit, cucumber, or mint.
- Drink water before, during, and after exercise.
- Drink water instead of sugary drinks like soda, juice, and sports drinks.
Most adults should aim to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. However, you may need to drink more water if you live in a hot climate, exercise regularly, or have certain medical conditions.