Lose weight with water? not a myth, really! & bull; hello healthy

Water does have many benefits for your health. Some people also believe that drinking lots of water can help you lose weight. Research published by the American Society for Nutrition in 2013 has also proven that drinking more water can help maintain and lose weight. However, how did this happen?

Water can help burn calories

Apparently, water can increase the number of calories burned by your body, so it can help you lose weight. This is known as resting energy expenditure. A study by Stookey and colleagues in 2008 on obese women proved that water can help you lose more weight. This research was conducted by increasing water intake by more than 1 liter per day for 12 months. As a result, the weight loss increased by 2 kg.

This research is reinforced by research showing that drinking 0.5 liters of water can burn an additional 23 calories. Several other studies conducted on obese people have also shown that drinking 1-1.5 liters of water every day for several weeks can reduce body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body fat.

Cold water is better

Weight loss may be greater when you drink cold water. Why? The body will burn more calories when you drink cold water. Because the body needs this energy to warm cold water until it reaches body temperature so that it can be processed by the body. This is supported by research by Brown and colleagues (2006) which found that there was an increase resting energy expenditure at 25% after drinking cold water.

Drinking water can help control hunger

Sometimes, you think that you are hungry, but actually the hunger you feel is fake hunger. Yes, your body doesn't really need food at that time, just feeling thirsty which you perceive as hungry. Many feelings related to hunger (such as an empty stomach, growling stomach, weakness, and dizziness) also occur when your body needs fluids or you feel thirsty.

Another study by the University of Oxford in 2015 showed that obese adults who drank about 500 ml of water 30 minutes before eating, eat less and can lose weight by up to 1 kg. Drinking water before meals can fill your stomach without adding calories, so you will eat less. As a result, in the end, you will lose weight.

Drinking water can reduce calorie intake

Water is a drink that has no calories. So, no matter how much you want to drink, your calories will not increase, so it will not lead to weight gain. Unlike other drinks, which are usually added with sugar. Of course, this drink contains calories which can increase your calorie intake. Ultimately, these sugary and calorie-laden drinks can lead to weight gain.

How to use water to lose weight

Studies have shown that people who drink mostly water each day have lower calorie intake (nearly 9% or 200 calories). So, from now on, make it a habit to drink more water every day. When in a restaurant, make it a habit to choose water to accompany your meal.

When you feel hungry, to determine whether you are really hungry or not, you can test it by drinking water first, then doing a little activity, and feel whether you are still hungry or not. It's best to drink water at least 30 minutes before eating, to reduce hunger and prevent you from eating too much.

The water you should drink doesn't have to be 8 glasses per day. This amount can be more, depending on your needs. Water needs for each individual vary depending on body conditions, physical activity, weather, and others. It's best to drink water whenever you feel thirsty and drink enough to quench your thirst. Do not drink too much water, as this can harm your health.