How Much Water Should You Drink A Day For Weight Loss?

Let's face it, drinking water and losing weight go hand-in-hand. Many of us have heard that drinking eight 8-oz. glasses of water will cause weight loss, but is that true? The answer to this question isn't as simple as some may think. While most health professionals recommend consuming eight to 12 glasses of water a day, there are many factors to keep in mind when determining how much water to drink daily.

Exercise

If you participate in an activity that makes you sweat, you need to increase the amount of water you consume by an extra eight to 16 ounces for shorter exercise routines. If you are participating in long endurance events, such as running a marathon, you need more water.

Gender

The Institute of Medicine suggests that men consume roughly three liters, or about 13 cups, of beverages a day and women consume about two liters, or nine cups, of beverages a day. However, if you drink tea, coffee, soda, or alcohol, add an extra glass of water for each glass of these beverages that you drink, according to ayushveda.com. These drink items serve as diuretics, which means that they flush water out of your system.

Replenishing Lost Fluids

You want to consume enough to water to replace the water you lose throughout the day. "You lose close to an additional liter, about four cups, of water a day through breathing, sweating and bowel movements," states the Mayo Clinic's website. Since food typically accounts for 20 percent of your total fluid intake, consuming two liters of water or other beverages a day in addition to your normal diet will typically replace your lost fluids.

Thirst

If you drink enough water where you rarely feel thirsty and produce at least 1.5 liters, or about six cups, of colorless or slightly yellow urine a day, your fluid intake is probably adequate.

Environment

You should drink more fluids on hot, humid days. If you live in cold climates where you are exposed to heated air, which makes your skin lose moisture, you should also drink more water. If you wear insulated clothing that causes you to sweat more than normal, or if you are at an altitude higher than 8,200 feet, which can cause intensified breathing and urination, you should also increase your daily water intake.