Folklore holds that "drinking water can help with weight loss," believing that drinking more water can fill the stomach, and the feeling of fullness can affect normal food intake, leading people to eat less and thus reduce obesity. However, this popular "water for weight loss" method is actually a misconception.
Medical experts believe that the practice of "drinking water for weight loss" is unfounded.
While drinking water to stretch the stomach can theoretically create a temporary feeling of fullness, hunger is not solely generated by the stomach. Blood sugar levels, as well as sight and smell, can also stimulate appetite. Water does not stay in the stomach for long, so after the stomach is stretched by water, hunger can become stronger, leading to eating more. Furthermore, drinking excessive amounts of water over a long period or a large quantity in a short time forces the body to expel the excess water through urine. This process also flushes out a large amount of electrolytes. If this continues for too long, the body's electrolyte balance can be disrupted. Initial symptoms include weakness, a rapid heartbeat, dry mucous membranes, and loss of skin elasticity. In severe cases, it can lead to spasms, disorientation, and coma, a condition known as "water intoxication."
Therefore, water intake should be limited. It is advisable to drink about 300 milliliters each time, with a daily total of 1500-2500 milliliters being appropriate. This can be increased appropriately in hot weather or when sweating excessively. It is not a case of "the more you drink, the healthier you are." Drinking too much water, under the guise of "weight loss," is harmful and not beneficial to the human body.