Hydration and Weight Management

Water. It’s that one thing we can’t live without. And many of us don’t get enough of it.

When someone brings up the topic of getting enough water, the context usually implies how much water we are drinking daily. Just plain, unadulterated, clear, clean water. And how many of us respond with “I don’t like drinking water’?

Why is it so important that we get enough water? 

We all like it when our body feels good. Being adequately hydrated is a major factor in making our bodies work properly. Not enough water, or dehydration, can lead to a decrease in physical activity and lead to or contribute to health problems.

So how is being adequately hydrated related to drinking enough water? According to the Hydration for Health Initiative, the quality of what you drink is vital to your health. They call this healthy hydration.

When we drink sodas, juice, coffee, milk, alcohol, our bodies are still receiving some benefits of hydration, but the other substances within the beverage may be detrimental to our overall health.

A study published in the Annals of Family Medicine investigated the relationship of hydration to weight status. Researchers were specifically looking at hydration and the body mass index (BMI), and hydration and individuals identified as obese or overweight. Using federal health survey data documenting participants’ height and weight, and testing the water content in urine, the data suggested a relationship between individuals with higher BMI or identifying as overweight or obese had a greater tendency to be dehydrated.

Can adequate, healthy hydration help with weight management? 

There are many contributing factors to weight management, including personal health conditions, medications, physical activity, and your own personal weight management goals. Healthy hydration will help your body work more efficiently and effectively. Some people will need more water than others to stay hydrated.

Water consumption is not an ideal measure of hydration. The amount of water it takes to stay hydrated depends on your body size and many other factors like your activity level and the climate you live in. Imagine if you were a landscaper in Arizona versus a receptionist in Michigan. The amount of water it takes to stay hydrated will be drastically different." - Dr. Tammy Chang, University of Michigan Medical School

What about those water-dense foods? 

Do they count towards daily water consumption? 

While water is best for staying hydrated, increasing water-laden foods does contribute to your overall hydration levels. As a boon, you’ll be treating your body to some vital vitamins, minerals, and fiber that it will need.

If, in your weight management plan, you are looking to a simple solution for your daily calorie intake, switching to water is your first course of action. The experts at Metabolic Medical Center can help you assess your hydration needs in relation to your weight management goals.