Studies show that drinking enough water can potentially help increase your metabolism.
Researchers suggest that good hydration enhances the function of mitochondria, a type of organelle found in cells that helps generate energy for the body (6Trusted Source).
This leads to an increase in metabolism, which may lead to subsequent weight loss.
Drinking water has also been shown to increase metabolism by inducing thermogenesis, a metabolic process in which calories are burned to produce heat.
In one study, 14 participants drank 16.9 ounces (0.5 liters) of water. Drinking water was found to increase their metabolic rate by 30% for 30–40 minutes (8Trusted Source).
Another study looked at the effects of drinking water in 21 overweight children. Drinking 0.3 ounces of water per 2.2 pounds of body weight (10 ml/kg) increased metabolism by an impressive 25% for 40 minutes (9Trusted Source).
Research on lemon water specifically is limited. However, because water is the main ingredient, it likely carries the same metabolism-boosting benefits as regular water.
Summary: Studies show that drinking water could increase metabolism by enhancing mitochondrial function and inducing thermogenesis.
Drinking water is often recommended as a fundamental part of any weight loss regimen, as it can promote satiety and fullness without adding calories.
A 2008 study looked at the effects of water on calorie intake in 24 overweight and obese older adults.
The study revealed that drinking 16.9 ounces (0.5 liters) of water before breakfast decreased the number of calories consumed in the meal by 13% (10Trusted Source).
Another study found that drinking water with a meal decreased hunger and increased satiety during the meal (11Trusted Source).
Because lemon water is low in calories and can promote fullness in the same way as regular water, it can be an effective way to help reduce calorie intake.
Summary: Regular water and lemon water can help promote satiety and fullness, which may decrease calorie intake and lead to weight loss.
Due to its potential beneficial effects on metabolism, satiety and hydration, some evidence suggests that water (including lemon water) could enhance weight loss.
In one study, 48 adults were assigned to two diets: a low-calorie diet with 16.9 oz (0.5 liters) of water prior to each meal or a low-calorie diet with no water before meals.
At the end of the 12-week study, participants in the water group had lost 44% more weight than participants in the non-water group (12Trusted Source).
Other research suggests that increasing water intake could help stimulate weight loss, independent of diet or exercise.
A 2009 study measured water intake in 173 overweight women. It found that greater water intake was associated with a greater loss of body weight and fat over time, regardless of diet or physical activity (13Trusted Source).
Though these studies focus specifically on regular water, the same results most likely apply to lemon water as well.
Summary: Some studies suggest that drinking regular water or lemon water could increase weight loss, regardless of diet or exercise.
Lemon water comes with a lot of potential benefits, from promoting hydration to increasing satiety.
However, it’s important to note that these benefits all come from its main ingredient — water.
Lemon water does contain some additional nutrients from the lemon juice, such as vitamin C and antioxidants, but these are unlikely to have any effect on your weight.
Additionally, the alkalizing effect of lemon juice has no clear effects on weight.
All that being said, lemon water may have some benefits for preventing kidney stones, due to the acids it contains (14Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source, 16Trusted Source)
Summary: Lemon water may be beneficial for weight loss, but has no added benefits over regular water.
Lemon water is a highly customizable beverage and can be tailored based on personal preference.
Recipes usually call for the juice from at least half a lemon mixed with a glass of water. To add more flavor, try adding in a few other ingredients.
A few fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of turmeric are delicious and healthy ways to spice up a glass of lemon water.
Many people prefer to start their day with a refreshing glass of lemon water, but it can be enjoyed at any time of day.
It can also be consumed hot, like tea, or with a few ice cubes added for a cool and invigorating drink.
Despite claims that lemon water has greater benefits when consumed at certain temperatures, there is little evidence to support that it makes a difference.
Summary: Lemon water can be customized based on personal preference, and it can be enjoyed hot or cold at any time of day.
Lemon water can promote fullness, support hydration, boost metabolism and increase weight loss.
However, lemon water is no better than regular water when it comes to losing fat.
That being said, it is tasty, easy to make and can be used as a low-calorie replacement for higher-calorie beverages.
In this way, it could potentially help promote weight loss and improve health.
