You’ve heard it a million times before: Drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water every day! Carry a water bottle everywhere you go! Stay hydrated! Drink before you’re thirsty! But you might still feel skeptical. Sure, water is important, but do you really need that much? And why won’t other beverages suffice?

The following three reasons might help to explain how water can not only keep you healthy, but even help you maintain (or lose) body weight.

You consume fewer calories. Since water doesn’t contain calories, drinking more water usually means you consume fewer beverages that do. According to the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, a 2016 study found that people who consumed one extra 8-ounce glass of water per day consumed 68 fewer calories than the control group. Those who drank three extra glasses of water consumed 205 fewer calories. That second group lost about half a pound per week over the course of the study.

Part of the reason might be because people tend to confuse thirst with hunger, and eat more when they really just need a glass of water.

You have more energy. Even mild dehydration can cause low moods, fatigue, and headaches. If you feel under the weather, don’t automatically skip your workout or pop a Tylenol. Try drinking a glass or two of water first; often rehydrating yourself is enough to boost your energy and help you feel better.

Water might even increase your metabolism. According to at least one study published by the Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, drinking 16 ounces of water triggers a temporary, 30 percent spike in metabolism. Drinking one and a half liters of water daily could help you burn an extra 200 calories per day!

Clearly, water is important to overall health. But those of you on weight loss diets should pay extra attention to this information. And as always, call us to schedule an appointment and we’ll discuss your dietary needs.