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Do Warm Fluids Help Weight Loss?

12/22/2011

Question:

I`ve recently read an article on the water/ drinks we have with meals.

It says that drinking warm water with meals will help with weight loss. Drinking cold drinks pass through our system, they solidify the fats from the foods we have just eaten or are eating at present. This makes the body find it harder to digest and disperse the unwanted fats from our body. However, if we simply swap our cold drinks for a warm drink (warm water/ coffee/tea/herbals) the warm fluids help the fats in our foods to remain fluid and so easing the digestive system and helping the fats pass through our body (and reduce risk of clogged arteries) I just wanted to know how accurate all this is. So do you think drinking warm fluids will help me lose weight (along with eating healthy food and excercise of course!). Please advise and thanks!

 

Answer:

Water is needed for health. About 60% of an adult’s body weight is made up of water. Fluids are required to maintain our blood volume and body temprature; to lubricate our joints; to carry nutrients to our cells; to carry waste products away from our cells; to act as a solvent throughout our bodies.

To maintain optimal health, we need 2 to 3 liters of total fluid per day (this is equal to 8 to 12 cups per day). Total fluid intake includes fluid from beverages and food. At least 20% of our fluid intake comes from food, depending on the types of food. For example, fruits and vegetables contain a large amount of water. Physical activity, environmental temperature and humidity also affect our fluid needs.

For persons interested in losing weight, water is an excellent choice of beverages because it contains no calories. Also, drinking water before meals and between meals helps to fill the stomach and may create a feeling of fullness which in turn, may help to control calorie intake.  In regard to the temperature of the water, there is no scientific evidence or physiological basis to support the idea that the temperature of the water influences the digestion of nutrients. Although water is not a “magic pill” for weight loss, it is an important part of any healthy diet. 

For more information:

Go to the Diet and Nutrition health topic.