Does Drinking Water Before Meals Help You Lose Weight? Let’s Find Out

If you're trying to shed those stubborn fats around your waist, thighs, or underarms, you might want to hold up and read about the theory that drinking water before meals can aid in weight loss. But does it work? Let’s explore the science behind this popular tip.

Feel Full, Eat Less theory

You’ve probably come across the advice to drink a glass of water before meals to help reduce food intake. This theory is based on the idea that water can make you feel full, causing you to eat less.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, the appeal of this approach lies in how our stomach’s nerves sense stretching, sending signals to the brain to stop eating. Drinking water before a meal could, theoretically, trigger similar signals, making you feel full sooner.

However, there’s a catch. Healthline points out that while this method might work for people with an average body weight, its effectiveness for those who are overweight or obese is less clear, based on a 2018 study.

Why you should swap other beverages for water

Water, being zero calories, is universally regarded as the healthiest beverage choice. Here are six reasons why replacing sugary drinks or other beverages with water could support your weight loss goals:

• Water increases calorie burning Drinking water boosts your metabolism, helping you burn more calories.
• Water is essential for burning fat so stay hydrated to break down fat and lose weight.
• Proper hydration ensures that your workouts are more effective and reduces the risk of health issues.
• Replacing high-calorie beverages with water helps cut unnecessary calories, making it easier to lose weight.
• Water helps flush out toxins from your body, which can improve overall health and wellness.

Warm water after meals aids in weight loss

A 2023 study reported by Healthline found that people who drank 200–250 milliliters (6.8–8.5 ounces) of warm water after each meal lost more weight and had a lower BMI compared to those who didn’t.