Can drinking 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.

Six reasons why drinking water may help you lose weight

Researchers are still unsure why drinking more water helps a person to lose weight, but 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

2. Water increases calorie burning

3. Water helps to remove waste from the body

4. Drinking water can reduce overall liquid calorie intake

5. Water is necessary to burn fat

6. Water helps with workouts

How much water do you need to drink?
Senior woman pouring water from jug at family meal into glass for young child.
Recommended water intake relates to factors such as age and health.

There is no standard recommendation for how much water to drink. Some people require more or less water, depending on a variety of factors, including:

activity level
age
body size
temperature
humidity
sun exposure
health status

Most health authorities suggest ranges for daily water intake. The following water intake recommendations are from the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) in the United States:

2,700 mL/day for adult women
3,700 mL/day for adult men