The Question Is Often Asked Whether Drinking Water Affects Weight Loss - Let's Take A Look

By Author: Sue Bristol
Total Articles: 12
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Weight gain is caused by an imbalance between calories consumed (eaten) and calories burned (exercise). If we gain weight, we're eating more than we need for health; if we lose weight, we're getting rid of more calories than we are eating. If the calories in matches the calories out, we maintain our current weight.
Now, let's look at another fact. There are two body activities that determine weight: one is exercise, and the other is what is called resting energy expenditure (REE). Wait! Don't go! I'll explain.
If we walk, or run, or bike, or lift weights, or climb stairs...these are all activities that burn calories. Another way that calories get burned has nothing to do with what we do. Rather, it has to do with calories (energy) that our bodies burn while at rest...just by performing the functions which keep us alive: breathing, circulation, metabolism, and so on. That's why this function is called resting energy expenditure.
Now then, back to water intake and weight loss...does water matter? Yes! Drinking water increases the number of calories used when the body is ...
... at rest! Further, low intake of water has been connected to obesity and increased difficulty in losing weight in children and adults.
Is it not reasonable that if water consumption affects how many calories our bodies use while resting it will certainly also affect us when we are actively playing and working? Of course! Water helps to flush away the fats that are broken down by the body when we reduce calorie intake. Water also gives us a feeling of fullness when we eat so that we are less likely to over-indulge in foods.
There are many other advantages to drink water as well. Every cell in our body requires water for proper functioning. Let's take a look at benefits of water (which makes up more than 80% of our blood, 75% of muscle, and more than 20% of bone, 90% of our brain...in fact, about two-thirds of our body is made up of water). Water is important because it:
Regulates body temperature (otherwise we'd burn up!).
Helps in movement of oxygen and nutrients into our cells.
Moisturizes the air that we breathe.
Helps in the removal of toxins from the body.
Lubricates the joints to help us move smoothly and without pain.
Many of us have heard that we should drink water every day. Few people understand why water is important to their overall health. According to MayoClinic.com, "Every system in your body depends on water." For example, the American Dietetic Association notes that it cleanses your kidneys, lubricates your joints, flushes toxins from your systems and keeps your skin healthy.
How much water should you drink? The old maxim that your Grandma taught you is that you should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. That specific amount has not been supported by scientific research. Therefore, it's difficult to say exactly how much water you should consume every day.
Just know that whatever amount you are drinking is probably not enough because most of us don't drink as much water as we should. Drink at least one full glass of water in the morning and before each meal. At least sip on water throughout the day. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables because of their water content.
Unless you have kidney disease or another condition which requires restriction of fluid your body will benefit in many ways, including weight loss, if you include water as part of your daily routine.

Sue Bristol, R.N. says: “get moving and lose weight"
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