Although drinking plain water has tons of health and weight loss benefits, there are also diets that suggest that drinking lemon water for weight loss is especially beneficial.
But is it a myth or a fact that drinking lemon water to lose weight is better than regular water? Does lemon water help you lose weight?
In this article, we will discuss drinking lemon water for weight loss and present a 14-day lemon water weight loss challenge.
Grab your water bottle and be prepared to pucker up!
Can Drinking Water Increase Weight Loss?
Drinking regular water has been shown to support weight loss.
For example, one study, looked at the impact of drinking 500 milliliters of water, or just under two 8-ounce cups, of water three times a day (an hour before breakfast, lunch, and dinner) for eight weeks in 50 overweight girls. This water intake was over and above the participants’ usual daily water intake.
Other research has similarly found that drinking water can indeed increase metabolic rate through water induced thermogenesis. The body has to heat up the water, which burns calories.
There was a statistically significant decrease in body weight, body mass index, and body composition over the eight weeks. Subjects lost an average of about 1.4 kg, 0.6 kg/m2 on their BMI, and 3 mm in skinfold thicknesses (indicative of body fat percentage.
The researchers attributed most of the weight loss and favorable body composition changes to water induced thermogenesis or an increase in metabolic rate simply due to being better hydrated.
Other research has similarly found that drinking water can indeed increase metabolic rate through water induced thermogenesis. The body has to heat up the water, which burns calories.
Does Drinking Lemon Water To Lose Weight Work?
So, does drinking lemon water increase weight loss compared to regular water? Essentially, is it better to drink plain water or lemon water to lose weight?
The majority of the potential weight loss benefits from drinking lemon water are attributable to the benefits of drinking water on metabolic rate previously discussed.
With that said, many people find that drinking lemon water is more palatable and appealing, encouraging them to drink more water and thus have greater weight loss results. Lemon water tastes more “exciting,” so it can be easier to drink enough water.
Lemon also provides vitamin C, an important antioxidant that supports the immune system in decreasing oxidative damage from free radicals.
With that said, there can be some side effects from drinking too much lemon water. Lemons are acidic because they contain citric acid.
This acid has been shown to erode tooth enamel, which can potentially increase the risk of cavities over time. Additionally, citric acid can exacerbate heartburn or symptoms of GERD, so a 14-day lemon water challenge may not be appropriate for those with GERD.
