Drinking more water won't lead to weight loss if your calorie consumption doesn't change. But for some people, drinking more water does lead to reduced calorie intake, for varied reasons. Still, what works for one dieter may be ineffective for another. Water consumption is one of many strategies that dieters can use to successfully lose weight.
Research
Drinking two 8 oz. glasses of water before meals while also restricting calories may help you lose weight and maintain the loss, according to research presented at the 2010 annual meeting of the American Chemical Society, in Boston. The study included 48 overweight or obese adults between the ages of 55 and 75 who followed a low-calorie diet for three month. One group was instructed to drink 16 ounces of water before meals. This group had lost 15.5 lbs on average by the end of the study, while the control group had shed 11 lbs.
Theory
Water may work to promote weight loss because it's filling, encouraging you to eat less. It keeps your mouth occupied and leads to a sense of satisfaction. Replacing soda and high-calorie coffee drinks with water also influences weight loss because you save calories. The act of drinking water before meals may also serve as a well-timed reminder that you're trying to shed pounds, so you're more likely to keep an eye on what you eat.
Age
Drinking water before a meal may lead to reduced calorie intake in older adults, but not younger people, according to a 2007 study in "Obesity." In the study, healthy adults of normal weight were served lunch on two occasions. Thirty minutes before the lunches, half of the participants were served water. While all participants reported being fuller when they drank water before the meal, only the adults ages 60 to 80 ate less of their meal as a result.
Tips
If you're trying to lose weight, drink two cups of water before each meal. Fill a reusable water bottle with water and bring it to work or school. If you don't like the taste of water, try flavored calorie-free water or diet soda. The Institute of Medicine recommends that men aim to consume about 3.7 liters of water a day, or about 125 oz, including the water found in food, while women should try to get 2.7 liters, or about 91 oz. Water found in foods will typically account for about 20 percent of your daily intake. Be careful not to drink too much water to prevent water intoxication. Let thirst be your guide and drink water when you desire it.
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