Can You Lose Weight Drinking Warm Water?

Water is a major component of the cells and tissues, making up between 55 and 60 percent of the adult body. About 83 percent of your blood is also water, which aids in getting rid of toxins and waste products that can inhibit weight loss, according to Ann Gittleman, author of "The Fast Track One-Day Detox Diet." Besides its detoxification abilities, water may also enhance weight loss in other ways---including when you drink it at a warmer temperature.

Thermogenesis Effect

Thermogenesis refers to the heat or energy produced in the body during digestion, absorption and transportation of nutrients, according to the Rowett Research Institute. In a study published in the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism" in 2003, researchers found that drinking 500 ml---or about 2 cups---of water increased metabolic rate by 30 percent. About 40 percent of the thermogenetic effect resulted from warming the water from 22 to 37 degrees Celsius, or 71.6 to 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

Debate

Since the publication of that study, researchers of another study published in the same journal in 2007 questioned the claims about water's thermogenetic abilities. They found that drinking water at room temperature did not increase energy expenditure and concluded that the results cast doubt on water having thermogenetic benefits for people struggling with obesity. However, the previous study indicated that a significant amount of the thermogenetic benefit came from warming the water 15 degrees above room temperature.

Satiety

Another benefit of drinking water, at any temperature, is that it's filling. Drinking two glasses of water right before a meal reduces the amount of calories you consume at that meal. In a study presented at 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in 2010, scientists revealed that participants who drank water before meals three times a day shed 5 lbs. more than those who did not drink more water.

Type and Amount

Weight loss proponents, including Gittleman, recommend drinking filtered or distilled water. By not introducing additional toxins into your body, purified water benefits overall health as well as weight loss. As Gittleman explains, toxin overload prevents the body from properly metabolizing fats. She recommends drinking at least half your body weight in ounces of water. In other words, if you weigh 150 lbs., you should consume 75 oz. of water daily.

Warning

Although drinking warm water can help you lose weight, you still need to eat well-balanced meals and exercise regularly for long-term, healthy weight loss. While water is essential for your health, it does not provide all the nutrients you need. It also cannot give your cardiovascular health a boost the way that exercise can, nor help you build lean muscle to keep weight off.