DOES WATER REALLY AFFECT WEIGHT LOSS?

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  • BalenciaLynn
    BalenciaLynn Posts: 411 Member
    Also if you dont like drinking water try the tetley infusions.... there yummy
  • well water makes u feel full so u should be less likely to overeat. i had to work up to the amount of water i drink now. I drink about 80 ounces a day. I think drinking water is just a good step to becoming healthy. :)
  • Here is a good article on drinking water:
    http://www.livestrong.com/article/540836-tips-on-drinking-water-to-lose-weight/

    My brother is a personal trainer at Anytime Fitness ( has a B.S. in Clinical Physiology with emphasis in Athletic Training or something like that) and he says I need to drink about a gallon a day while working out. If you are hydrated your body will shed excess water in your system (i.e. your body won't store water because of fear of dehydration) so you'll get rid of your "water weight" and get a more accurate weight. The water will also lube up the muscles and joints, and help get a fuller work out to the muscles you work. It will help cut down on cramping thus being about to get a better work out as well. I have noticed if I don't have at least 32 oz about an hour or so before I work out that I cramp up faster in my legs when I'm running thus cutting down my work out time. That is just from my experience, reading, and talking with my brother. Hope that helps.

    Oh, and as for the taste, try favored water (Sobe Water, Lifewater) or those new water flavoring (I think it is called Neo or something like that, silver triangle bottle in the store). Just a suggestion.
  • Bentley2718
    Bentley2718 Posts: 1,689 Member
    Taken from: http://wwwdirjournal.com/health-journal/why-is-drinking-water-so-important/

    Here are just some of the top reasons you need to drink more water.
    ■We’re made out of water—Between 60 to 70% of your body is made from water. Your blood, muscles, tissues, and other parts are your body are basically water as well. Because so much of our body is made from water, it only makes sense that we need to drink a lot of water to keep our bodies running properly.
    ■Other drinks can’t keep you hydrated—Caffeinated drinks—especially sodas—actually make you even thirstier after you drink them. That’s because the caffeine acts as a diuretic, leading to more urination and more dehydration. Simply put, soda and other drinks just can’t hydrate the body like water does. That’s not to say you should stop drinking these beverages altogether, but don’t use them as substitutes for your daily water intake.
    ■Lack of water causes fatigue—Dehydration is one of the top causes of severe fatigue. So, if you aren’t drinking enough water, you’re probably tired all day long, and you might not have the energy to exercise, causing you to stay tired and out of shape. Don’t rely on caffeine to give you an energy boost, but instead, start drinking the recommended 8-10 glasses of water every day.
    ■Water is necessary for good digestion—Remember earlier when I said your body is made out of water and that it needs water to run properly? Well, this goes for digestive functions as well. If you’re dehydrated, your body won’t be able to break down foods as effectively as it normally does. Poor digestion can cause a wide range of problems, from constipation to severe abdominal pain.
    ■Water helps blood circulate properly—Water is a necessary ingredient for proper blood flow in the body. As you drink more water, oxygen levels in your bloodstream will increase, leading to better circulation and improved overall health. Good blood flow can help increase your energy levels and burn more fat.
    ■Toxins get flushed out by water—Your kidneys act as a filter. But for them to work as they should, they need to have plenty of water intake. By drinking the recommended 8-10 glasses of water each day, your kidneys will do their job more effectively, and your body will also expel more harmful toxins from the digestive tract.
    ■Water helps you burn fat—Drinking water can help you stay skinny in a few different ways. First, a lack of water actually slows protein synthesis—the muscle building function in your body. So, if you want to burn fat and add muscle, your body needs to be fully hydrated. Also, staying hydrated ensures that you don’t confuse thirst for hunger, causing you to overeat and gain more weight.

    Please note, this blog entry contains absolutely no citations to any research published in a peer reviewed journal (or elsewhere for that matter).
  • gracielee1
    gracielee1 Posts: 71 Member
    Here's what I learned that water does:

    regulates your body temperature
    helps carry nutrients/oxygen to your cells
    helps convert food to energy
    removes waste
    cushions your joints
    protects and cushions your vital organs
    helps your body absorb nutrients
    moistens oxygen for breathing

    composes 75% of your brain
    makes up 83% of your blood
    composes22% of your bones
    Makes up 75% of your muscles

    So I'd say drinking a good amount of water (some say 8 cups; i drink more because I exercise daily and sweat a lot and also eat salty foods now and then) will definitely benefit you and give you the energy and efficiency to burn more calories and remove waste/toxins. :) I hope this helps....
  • keegannati
    keegannati Posts: 114
    if you hadn't posted the title in capslock I wouldn't have opened the thread.
    :drinker:


    Drink however much water you need to not be thirsty. Some days I drink 3 liters by lunchtime, some days I don't have any at all.
  • nelsaphine
    nelsaphine Posts: 212 Member
    I don't know if it does or not, but I know I drink about a gallon a day and I feel better when I do. On days that I don't drink much water I feel more sluggish and bloated.

    Me too!

    Me three!! and it's great for the skin too :P
  • katjo10
    katjo10 Posts: 82 Member
    I am a water drinker and always have been even before "the new healthy me". Keep in mind there are several benifits from drinking more water. 1. It helps you lose weight because it flushes out the by products of fat breakdown. 2. It helps to replensh skin tissue, moisturizes skin and increases skin elasticity. 3. Our brain is made up of mostly water, so it helps us think better and be more alert. 4. Water helps your metabolism because it helps in digestion. 5. Water helps your joints & mustles keep lubricated, so makes it less likely to get cramps and sprains. This is just a few reasons why I drink water. Hope this helps! Good Luck!
  • limesublime
    limesublime Posts: 118 Member
    I really like the Mio water flavorings. They're a little pricey ($4 here in Utah), but I never thought twice about spending $4 on soda. I figure it's sixes with the money and at least I'm drinking lots of water.
  • Sweetiepiestef
    Sweetiepiestef Posts: 343 Member
    I dont know if you will find this helpful its from 2004 so some information or research may have changed but I dont find anything that says otherwise so far. I got this from:

    http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20040105/drinking-water-may-speed-weight-loss



    Eight Glasses a Day

    Despite the fact that most diets call for drinking at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day, few studies have been done to determine if the practice actually speeds weight loss. In an effort to answer this question, Michael Boschmann, MD, and colleagues from Berlin's Franz-Volhard Clinical Research Center tracked energy expenditures among seven men and seven women who were healthy and not overweight.

    After drinking approximately 17 ounces of water, the subjects' metabolic rates -- or the rate at which calories are burned -- increased by 30% for both men and women. The increases occurred within 10 minutes of water consumption and reached a maximum after about 30 to 40 minutes.

    The study also showed that the increase in metabolic rate differed in men and women. In men, burning more fat fueled the increase in metabolism, whereas in women, an increased breakdown of carbohydrates caused the increase in metabolism seen.
    The researchers estimate that over the course of a year, a person who increases his water consumption by 1.5 liters a day would burn an extra 17,400 calories, for a weight loss of approximately five pounds. They note that up to 40% of the increase in calorie burning is caused by the body's attempt to heat the ingested water. The findings are reported in the December issue of The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

    Hope this helps! There is more info at this site you should check it out!!
  • cshep2k
    cshep2k Posts: 15 Member
    Just drink water. It is definitely good for you, and never mind the critic on the all capitals.
  • Quasita
    Quasita Posts: 1,530 Member
    I really like the Mio water flavorings. They're a little pricey ($4 here in Utah), but I never thought twice about spending $4 on soda. I figure it's sixes with the money and at least I'm drinking lots of water.

    We use them at my house and add them to sparkling water (as it has less salt than club soda) and custom make decaf soda to taste. They disappear fast sometimes but we just stock up on the strawberry melon ;)
  • msliu7911
    msliu7911 Posts: 638 Member
    Proper hydration is a must for sustained weight loss. Most people go around dehydrated most of the time, causing the body to retain water, and appearing like more weight on the body.
    Does water help you lose weight? No. But here's some things it can do to maximize your weight loss:
    Keep you fuller longer
    Clear your complexion (ok, not weight loss, but who wouldn't like this??)
    Keep your digestive tract working properly
    Flush "toxins" out of your body
    Flush excess sodium
    Minimize the occurence of kidney stones
    Reduce the chances of getting a bladder or UT infection
    Keeps the liver and kidneys functioning properly
    Lubricates the joints
    Allows you to sweat properly
    Reduce bloating and water retention

    Hope something here helps motivate you! I drink around a gallon of water a day. More in the summer, less in the winter. But I drink more tea in the winter, so I'm still getting my fluids!

    Great info!!!!
  • You know, I actually do think it helps you lose weight, I am constantly running to the bathroom! LOL
    Should I log that as exercise? (kidding)
  • Striving4Fit_MrsOrtiz
    Striving4Fit_MrsOrtiz Posts: 399 Member
    Thanks everyone! Great info and for the critic: apparently the all caps got your attention cause you still replied. Pendejo!

    From now ill just drink more water for the 'good health' part of it, instead of weight loss.

    And I will still post topics with all caps on, AND SO WHAT? If you don't like it then don't read my post.
  • Thanks everyone! Great info and for the critic: apparently the all caps got your attention cause you still replied. Pendejo!

    From now ill just drink more water for the 'good health' part of it, instead of weight loss.

    And I will still post topics with all caps on, AND SO WHAT? If you don't like it then don't read my post.

    I HAVE NO ISSUE WITH CAPS LOCK!
  • ann506
    ann506 Posts: 2 Member
    yes
  • Aliciaaah
    Aliciaaah Posts: 379 Member
    Are you talking about cups in terms of 8 ounces? If you are I'd say that's pretty low. I'd definitely try to get more. But I can't imagine that you only drink 16 oz. of water a day, with no other beverages either.

    If you just mean cups as in the glass you are using, it could be a lot more reasonable. The cups I use probably hold about 25 ounces, and I think two of those is a much better goal. If this is the case, you're in much better shape. Especially if you're eating a lot of water dense fruits and veggies.

    But for future reference, log cups as 8 oz. from now on, if you aren't already.
  • Thomakk
    Thomakk Posts: 25 Member
    Maybe it depends on the person, but for me absolutely Yes!

    I've been stalled in my weight loss and very frustrated. For various reasons (dry skin, advice from friends, etc) I decided to double my water from 64 oz/day to 1 gal/day. Within a 24 hour period my skin became softer and within 2 days a dropped a pound. I don't think it was a coincidence.
  • Striving4Fit_MrsOrtiz
    Striving4Fit_MrsOrtiz Posts: 399 Member
    Thanks everyone! :) I appreciate everyones input and advice.
  • Water can be an appetite suppressant and a combat for needless eating.

    How do I say so?

    Well, Water tricks the body into thinking it's not hungry. When dieters consume greater amounts of water, they eat less. Water temporarily reduces even real hunger feelings, so dieters don't need to eat as frequently. Drinking water with a meal reduces the room in the stomach for food, reducing the amount of food eaten.

    Water combats needless eating. The dehydration is such a common issue, many people mistake thirst for hunger. The best way to combat needless eating is to drink a glass of water and wait 30 minutes before munching. If the hunger pangs stick around, grab a bite to eat. However, in many cases, the glass of water will eliminate the urge to eat.

    It is also helpful for Waste Removal simply because Water is necessary for proper digestion. By drinking plenty of water, the stomach and intestines digest food at a quicker rate than if the body doesn't have enough water. Kidneys depend on water to help flush out waste into the urine. When the body is free from waste, the liver is able to flush out fat at an optimum level.

    For water retention - Drinking plenty of water reduces the amount of water the body retains. When the body is dehydrated, it holds onto water, trying to store it in case of emergency. However, when water replenishment is continuous, the body doesn't hold onto excess water, since it is readily available. Hope this helps.:-)

    Exercise

    Water is a necessity for those who work out. Dehydration reduces strength and endurance during workouts, so fitness requires plenty of water consumption. When trying to lose weight, exercise plays an important role, and drinking water will make or break an exercise routine.

    Mindless Munching

    When a dieter consciously makes an effort to drink more water, mindless munching drastically decreases. Every time there is an urge to snack, a bottle of water comes to the rescue. Sipping on water continuously makes avoiding snacks easier. Once drinking water becomes a habit, snack avoidance is much easier, leading to more significant weight loss.

    Overall Health

    When the body is at its peak, fat burning is optimal. The human body consists of roughly 60 percent water. When dehydrated, every system in the body suffers, from temperature regulation to mental clarity. It is imperative that the body has the appropriate amount of water to ensure that everything, including fat burning, functions as it should.
  • 1sisrat
    1sisrat Posts: 267 Member
    YES!!!!!!!! google why.