How much water do I HAVE to drink to lose weight?

If you would like an example, my mom hates water, and prefers only diet cokes. She is in terrible health right now, and her teeth, the ones she has left, look gross. Incentive? I think so! Also, I exercise a lot, so water is important in that respect. God made it, it can't be bad.

Nice story, but totally irrelevant. Sorry your mother doesn't understand what a toothbrush is, but drinking soda will not ruin your teeth unless you have no concept of oral hygiene. And if that's the case, it's pretty obvious that there are many reasons for her poor health, but beverage choice is certainly not the cause.

Nice scare tactic, though.

Also, for the "half your bodyweight" crowd, 100% myth. The human body needs to replace roughly 2.5 liters of water a day. Half a liter on average comes from food everyday, which leaves about 2 liters that you need. 2 liters is about 2 quarts, and 2 quarts is 8 cups. This is where the 8 cups suggestion comes from. Of course the original suggestion was 8 cups of fluid, not water, as the source of the liquid is irrelevant. And how much you need has nothing to do with size. The body loses roughly the same amount of water, no matter what it weighs.

ojell- I was popping in to see the responses to this because I also find it difficult to drink even close to the "recommend" amount of water. A very valid question on a very controversial topic apparently. There seems to be a lot of differing opinions on the topic, so I would suggest checking in with a doctor of some sort and perhaps researching it a little further just to be sure. As for you Tigerswords, did you wake up this morning with intention of being rude to someone? If so, you have succeeded. I don't think a simple question about water should have ever resulted in an answer this foul, even if there are several varying opinions on the subject. This site is for everyone to come together and support one another, not bash or insult or belittle each other. If you feel that someone is offering incorrect information, maybe you should find a more tactful way of saying so. Have a nice day everyone!

Think about what happens to a plant if you don't water it regularly...the earth starts to crack, the leaves go dry, brittle and start to discolour. Well your body is no different. Your body is not fussy about where it gets water from if you're not drinking enough, the first place being your biggest organ the skin, and secondly your colon. Yep! pretty disgusting eh? Your body will take water for other vital organs to keep you alive, that's one of the main reasons people who don't drink water tend to get headaches and migraines, as well as taking water from your colon your body absorbs the toxins that live there too!

Although drinking water won't make you shift any weight directly, it will keep your body well lubricated and you'll notice whatever you put into your body i.e food, comes out a lot more regularly which is a good thing right!

Also try drinking water at room temperature, it make you pee less too.

Go on, try!