Whether or not you realize it, water is one of the most important elements involved in any successful weight loss program. Water not only is zero calories (and zero everything else), it’s also been shown to be effective at helping dieters lose even more weight in the same amount of time. Why does water play such a critical role in weight loss and how can you incorporate water into your weight loss regimen?

Water and Weight Loss 101

Drinking water can help anyone lose weight, even if they are not tracking the foods that they are consuming. Consuming only two cups of water before eating helped a trial group of obese and overweight adults lose two pounds over a 12-week period. This trial group made no other changes to their lifestyle or diet other than drinking two cups of water before each meal. Another study, completed in 2010, showed that obese adults who were following a low-calorie diet who drank water before a meal lost a whopping four more pounds than the same dieters who didn’t. The magic isn’t in the diet, it’s in the water!

How Does Water Help Your Body Burn Fat?

Water helps your body to lose unwanted fat and weight in two different ways. First, water works by filling up your stomach. When your stomach is more full, you will naturally eat less and feel full sooner. Drinking enough water before sitting down for a meal can actually help you to reduce your daily caloric intake, without consciously doing so, about 225 calories.

Water also helps with weight loss by boosting your metabolic rate. The metabolic rate is how your body burns calories and helps you to lose fat. Drinking just two cups of water in one sitting boosts your metabolism by 30% for the half hour afterward. Why does your metabolism get such a big boost? Your body works hard to raise the temperature of the cold water in your stomach to your body temperature. Drinking 70 ounces of water in one day can actually help your body to burn 100 extra calories without breaking a sweat. Over the course of a month, that could add up to almost a pound of easy weight loss.

How Much Is Enough?

If you aren’t used to drinking much water over the course of the day, start by adding the two recommended cups before each meal. Depending on your age, gender, your activity level, the temperature outside and inside, and what medications you are taking, the right amount for you might be lower or higher than that. As a general rule of thumb, for every 50 pounds of weight on your body, you should be drinking 4 cups of water. For example, someone weighing 175 would need to drink about 14 cups every day.

When you are planning out your weight loss goals, make sure to consult with your doctor and the professionals at Pria Wellness Center. Drinking the right amount of water will help to hydrate your body, nourish your muscles, and keep your skin feeling beautiful.

Summer Weight Loss with Pria Wellness Center

For a weight loss solution with real, long-lasting results, contact Pria Wellness Center. We will comprehensively assess your current physical condition and make recommendations based on your body’s unique needs. Dr. Fernandez is board certified in obesity medicine and weight management, so you can trust that you are being taken care of by a qualified specialist. And we take a holistic approach to weight loss, working with dieticians, psychologists, personal trainers, and physicians to ensure that all of your needs are met and you keep the weight off for good. What do you have to lose except extra weight? Schedule a consultation online by clicking here, or contact the office at (410) 565-6552.

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