Does Drinking Hot Water Help Lose Weight?

Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT
Published by Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT | Staff Writer
Last updated: October 16, 2024
Our content is meticulously researched and reviewed by an expert team of fact checkers and medical professionals. They ensure accuracy, relevance, and timeliness using the latest reputable sources, which are cited within the text and listed at the end of the article. Before publication and upon significant updates, we confirm factual accuracy, committed to providing readers with well-informed content. Learn more.

While staying hydrated can support weight management, it's essential to recognize that hot water consumption doesn't directly lead to significant weight loss.

My expertise, backed by research, emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and appropriate supplements for effective and sustainable weight management.

This article will explain how drinking hot water can induce certain body processes that can contribute to losing weight.

Quick Summary

  • Consuming warm water supports weight loss by influencing specific bodily processes that can accelerate the weight loss journey.
  • The body responds to hot water by triggering increased satiety, enhanced metabolism, and the breakdown of fat.
  • The recommended temperature for drinking water is one that aligns with individual tolerance, typically falling between 130–160°F (54–71°C).
  • Personally, I advise clients to focus on proven weight loss techniques, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle and incorporating natural fat burners, to expedite their weight loss journey.

Can I Use Hot Water For Weight Loss?

pouring hot water on a glass mug

Yes, you can use hot water for weight loss. Although hot water in itself doesn’t directly make you lose weight, it helps trigger certain bodily functions that speed up your weight loss.

It helps you lose weight in the following ways:

  • Metabolism Boost: Warm water has the potential to elevate your body's metabolism, providing an energy boost for more effective workouts. This increase in metabolism also leads to an overall calorie burn throughout the day.
  • Enhanced Satiety: Drinking warm water before meals can heighten the sensation of fullness, resulting in reduced calorie intake. This calorie moderation contributes to weight loss, especially when following a calorie deficit approach.
  • Fat Breakdown: A research published by the National Institute of Health suggests that adequate water consumption can play a role in breaking down fat, contributing to overall weight management [1].

Other Benefits of Drinking It

Beyond aiding in weight loss, drinking hot water offers various health benefits. Here are some of them:

  • Rids the Body of Toxins: According to the National Institute of Health, drinking water facilitates toxin elimination by raising body temperature and inducing sweat, effectively clearing pores [2].
  • Relieves Constipation: Research from PubMed suggests warm water acts as a natural remedy for constipation by softening stool, promoting smoother digestion, and toxin removal from the digestive system [3].
  • Clear Skin: The consumption of warm water enhances nutrient absorption in body cells, supporting better skin health and immunity against infections, according to Medical News Today [4].
  • Clears Throat Congestion: Drinking warm water may help in alleviating symptoms of a cold, such as reducing mucus, relieving a sore throat, and easing chest congestion.

“Drinking hot water also clears out your intestines to prevent bloating in your body, thus getting rid of excess water weight you may be carrying.”

- Cara Walsh, RD, Nutritionist

How Hot Should My Water Be?

A mug full of hot water

The ideal temperature for drinking water is one that aligns with your personal tolerance, typically ranging between 130–160°F (54–71°C).

While initially, hot water might feel irritating, consistent consumption allows your taste buds and throat to adjust over time.

It's crucial to note that surpassing these recommended temperatures is not advisable, as it could result in burns and potential tissue damage upon contact.

Related: Does Drinking Water Before Bed Help With Losing Weight?

Ways to Liven Up Your Hot Beverage

To enhance the flavor of your warm beverage, consider these enjoyable options for livening up plain hot water:

  • Lemon Juice: Elevate the taste of morning water by adding lemon, not only for a delightful flavor but also to boost immunity due to the vitamin C content, as per Medical New Today [5].

Read more about how lemon water helps you in losing weight.

“When consumed on a regular basis with lemon added to it, hot water helps balance all the acidic foods we ingest daily.”

- Dr. Luiza Petre, MD, Cardiologist

  • Tea: Whether it's green, black, or any other variety, infusing hot water with flavorful tea leaves transforms the experience into a more enjoyable ritual.
  • Natural Flavors: Incorporating natural flavoring agents is a simple way to add taste to your morning cup of water, ensuring they are free from added sugar and extra calories.

Related Articles: 

FAQs

How Many Liters of Hot Water Should I Drink Every Day?

Men should drink 3.7 liters of hot water a day, and women should drink 2.7 liters. If you're working out or you’re a fairly large person, it's recommended that you increase the amount.

Does Cold Water Have the Same Benefits as Hot Water?

No, cold water does not have the same benefits as hot water. Compared to cold water, hot water is better for digestion, relieving congestion, and promoting relaxation.

When Should I Drink Hot Water?

You should drink hot water first thing in the morning and right before bed. You can also drink it throughout the day, especially before your meals.

Are There Any Side-Effects From Drinking Hot Water?

No, there are no side effects from drinking moderate amounts of hot water. But, only be careful about how hot your water is so you don’t scald your tongue.


References:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4901052/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3312275/
  3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27684632/
  4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319673
  5. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/283476
Was this article helpful?
YesNo

About The Author

Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT
Staff Writer
Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT holds a BSc degree in Holistic Nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health and is the owner of Taylor Made Fitness. Her philosophy centers on cutting through the hype and misinformation surrounding dietary supplements, focusing instead on practical, science-backed strategies for health and weight loss.
Learn more about our editorial policy
Dr. Harshi Dhingra, MBBS, MD is a published peer-reviewed author and renowned physician from India with over a decade of experience. With her MBBS from Bharati Vidyapeeth and an MD from Rajiv Gandhi University, she actively ensures the accuracy of online dietary supplement and medical information by reviewing and fact-checking health publications.
Learn more about our editorial policy
Dr. Kristy June Dayanan, BS, MD is an author with a BS degree from University of the Philippines and an MD from University of Perpetual Help System. Her ability to simplify medical science complexities and dietary supplement jargon for the average reader makes her a valued medical fact checker and reviewer.
Learn more about our editorial policy

You May Also Like

Your guide to lemon water and weight loss
By Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT 12 days ago
Does Lemon Water Help You Lose Weight? (From a Dietitian)
A close up shot of a person holding an ONNIT Total Human supplement
By Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC 14 days ago
ONNIT Total Human Review (2024 Upd.) Legit or a Scam?
Lifting dumbbell with Burn XT Overlay
By Benedict Ang, CPT, PN1-NC 14 days ago
Burn XT Thermogenic Fat Burner (2024 Review) Does It Work?  
A man who uses Daily Burn for his workout
By Christiana Mikesch, CPT 14 days ago
Daily Burn Review (2024 Updated) Legit or a Big Scam?
The Calisthenics Diet Plan How to Get the Best Results Featured Image
By Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT 14 days ago
The Calisthenics Diet Plan: How to Get the Best Results
Bowflex vs PowerBlocks Dumbbells
By James Cunningham, BSc, CPT 14 days ago
Bowflex vs Powerblocks Dumbbells (2024) Which Is Better?

Write a Reply or Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Our scoring system is the result of objective testing data and subjective expert analysis by a team of fitness coaches and medical experts. Our scoring factors are weighted based on importance. For more information, see our product review guidelines.