Losing weight is all about “calories in, calories out.” But an often overlooked piece of this equation is hydration. Water can help keep your joints lubricated as your body powers through workouts, it boosts your energy levels, and it can help curb your appetite and keep you from drinking other calorie-laden beverages like soda or juice. And as an extra bonus? You will actually burn calories just by drinking a glass of water.

It’s true. Basically, your body has to work to process anything that you send through your stomach. It’s called diet-induced thermogenesis. And while you won’t burn enough calories to justify eating an extra helping at dinner, it will add up over time.

A study published in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” monitored calories burned after participants drank about 2 cups of water. Researchers found that drinking the water temporarily boosted metabolism, causing participants to burn an extra 24 calories. The researchers concluded that if you increased your water intake to 2 liters per day, you would burn an extra 100 calories a day.

Of course, don’t just slug through gallons of water looking for weight loss. There is such a thing as over hydration, though most people are pretty far from that being an issue.

That the amount of water you need depends on body size, medical issues, level of exertion, and even the temperature and humidity outside. Most adults fall within the six to eight glasses of water range. Remember that this amount also includes the liquids your body extracts from the foods you eat.

So if you’re looking to boost your weight loss, that’s got to be the most refreshing news you’ll hear all day!


Also see, This is what would happen if you stopped drinking water. 

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Meghan is a full-time writer exploring the fun facts behind food. She lives a healthy lifestyle but lives for breakfast, dessert and anything with marinara. She’s thrown away just as many meals as she’s proud of.