Water and Lipolysis

Did you know drinking enough water can burn body fat?

The breakdown of fat in the body is scientifically called lipolysis. The phenomenon of lipolysis occurs only in the presence of water. So, if you want to get rid of fat especially the stubborn kind and you’re doing everything but not drinking enough water you may end up not losing that fat.

So how much water should you even be drinking in the first place to get you to your goal. There’s a formula for this, when it comes to weight loss, specifically fat loss, the ounces of water you need to drink has to be no less than half your body weight in pounds. Don’t get confused, let’s look at this example.

If you weigh 200lbs (91 kg) you should be aiming for not less than 100 ounces (3 liters) of water each day.  This is just to give you an idea of your water needs based on your weight, your body can require more if you sweat a lot, due to temperature in warmer climates like sub–Saharan Africa or the Persian Gulf or during warmer seasons like summer. You may also need more water due to your body’s level of physical activity or state of your body such as during pregnancy and menstruation in women.

Apart from you burning off fat when you drink enough water, there are other ways water helps in weight management including acting as an appetite suppressant, by reducing the desire to eat. Often thirst can also be mistaken for hunger, so before you put food in your mouth, drink some water first.  Some studies have also shown that drinking water before a meal result in overall less consumption of meals. When it comes to weight loss specifically fat loss, a myriad of factors come to play.

 One of which is hydration, not only is water effective in the fat break down of fat but can play an important role in a healthy weight loss by, reducing appetite, and limiting calories.

If you’re on a weight loss journey I hope you’re convinced, and drinking enough water is going to be a staple in your regimen.

Explore our website for more valuable insights, practical tips, and delicious recipes to support your journey toward a healthier and happier you!

Edited and reviewed by – Soteria Aba Ntim- Adu, BSc/ MSc (PHN) , R. Nutr (Ghana/ AfN, UK)

REFERENCES

Stookey, J. D., Constant, F., Popkin, B. M., & Gardner, C. D. (2008). Drinking water is associated with weight loss in overweight dieting women independent of diet and activity. Obesity, 16(11), 2481-2488.

Davy, B. M., Dennis, E. A., Dengo, A. L., Wilson, K. L., & Davy, K. P. (2008). Water consumption reduces energy intake at a breakfast meal in obese older adults. Journal of the American dietetic association, 108(7), 1236-1239.

El-Zayat, S.R., Sibaii, H. & El-Shamy, K.A. Physiological process of fat loss. Bull Natl Res Cent 43, 208 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42269-019-0238-z

Thornton SN. Increased Hydration Can Be Associated with Weight Loss. Front Nutr. 2016 Jun 10;3:18. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2016.00018. PMID: 27376070; PMCID: PMC4901052.