Do you know there’s a naturally occurring liquid that has been attributed as the world’s top-leading medicine? It also comes in Pet bottles. Athletes prefer having it the whole day before action. Allow me to hint, as you might end up complicating things. It runs through your kitchen faucets, too.
Yeah, you guessed that right. It’s water. Now, do you think obesity is a health concern? And your mind pops this question: does hydration cause weight loss?
We did hear from around that water didn’t add up to weight. It’s calorie-free, so that isn’t a possibility. But there’s a lot of information for those who cannot link water with weight loss. This blog entry is aimed at helping people who want to keep weight loss simple using natural means.
Whether you’ve already started your weight-loss journey or are considering stepping into one, the following information can help you incorporate water into your regimen.
1. Your Appetite Suppressant is a Glass Away
Have you noticed yourself leaving the most comfortable places in search of food? That, too, when you’ve already had a fulfilling meal. You know what, it happens because of your body’s need for water. And not for food in reality. Dr. Melina Jampolis, a former National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists president, backs this claim.
She further said that people could have lesser appetites if they consumed water while dehydrated. This may ward off any chances of snacking; however, the effects may be short-lived till you get hungry.
So, hydration does curb appetite post meals. But, it works the other way around, too, i.e., it does the same when consumed before meals. A study from 2014 proved this point when 50 overweight female subjects were instructed to drink 500mL of water half an hour before three meals a day.
Other than that, they were having their regular dose of hydration. Fast forward 8 weeks, and they had less appetite than before. There were also changes in their BMI, body weight, and fat.
2. A Tonic for Metabolism
A process called metabolism occurs between consuming food and drinks and turning energetic to perform everyday chores. This process turns edibles into energy and a residue of unwanted waste.
When this process somehow slows down, fewer calories are burned than usual. And more energy is stored in the body in the form of fats. That’s when you can’t lose weight or end up gaining weight.
Certain studies have explored the effects of hydration on metabolism; however, they claim the positive impact to be temporary. For instance, these studies conclude that an added consumption of 500mL speeds up metabolism by 30%. But, this effect itself lasts for an hour.
3. Good Hydration and Bowel Movement
There are numerous causes of constipation, and dehydration is one common factor. When that’s the tentative cause of slow bowel movements, drinking a large glass of water helps solve the problem.
The preferred volume of water differs for people of both genders, height, and variations in physical exertion. However, an average daily consumption of 1.8 litres has been set as a standard for the ordinary person to follow.
4. The Fat and Water Correlation
Fatty tissues insulate our bodies and vital organs, providing a cushioning effect. We grow fat when this cushioning gets thicker, and the stored fats aren’t broken down into utilizable energy. That’s when water hops into the scene to save the day.
So, everything goes back to a simple chemical process called Lipolysis. This process utilizes certain enzymes and water to break down fats within our bodies. All in all, that’s one way to lose some extra pounds.
A study conducted in 2016 found a correlation between hydration, Lipolysis and metabolism. The better hydration subjects had, there appeared an increase in Lipolysis. This, in turn, boosted metabolism, making it a possible cause of weight loss.
5. Good Hydration Means Smoother Workouts
With exercise, the idea of a weight loss regimen seems complete. And you also need to cope with the drawbacks you reap post-exercise, right?
Remember that you could lose water after workouts and, consequently, muscle tiredness, cramps, confusion and lack of coordination. The only way to avoid that is to refill your body with water you’d lost earlier in the form of sweating.
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, your body can also naturally indicate that, i.e., you may examine your urine frequency and color to assess when you need to drink water. This way, if you can maintain a healthy hydration and exercise correlation, you can reap optimal weight loss goals.
What’s with Warmth and Coolness?
Water, be it hot or cold, does already help with reducing bodily weight. However, each of us has been hearing more and more about having it warm. History has much to say about that, and scientific researchers have also started to make revelations recently.
A study from 2003 gives hope for more possibilities. It tells the probability of weight loss could increase when water is consumed hot rather than a colder version of it.
There’s another perspective to view the overall situation. This narrative claims that if an individual consumes cold, icy water, his body would possibly burn calories to bring its temperature as much as the body’s temperature. But, the University of Washington proclaims this process doesn’t utilize many calories.
Final Word
There’s no doubt that water helps with many things, including weight loss. So, if someone asks you, does hydration cause weight loss? Let your words flow, and answer in the affirmative. As for the temperature at which you shall drink it, it’s ideal to keep towards the warmer extremity.
However, if you have less freedom to maintain that throughout the day, go for something at room temperature. Keeping in mind your exaggerated requirements during a weight loss routine, consult a professional to figure out how much of hydration Is required in your case. All in all, you shall at least not skip on the recommended daily dose.
