Does drinking water help you burn fat?

Does drinking water help you burn fat? Hydration plays an important supporting role in weight loss by influencing appetite, calorie intake, and daily energy balance.

Drinking water does not directly melt fat, but it supports conditions that make fat loss easier and slightly increases calorie burn. Replacing sugary drinks with water cuts liquid calories, which can quickly create a meaningful daily deficit without changing food volume. Being well hydrated helps regulate appetite, because thirst is sometimes mistaken for hunger, leading to unnecessary snacking. Some studies show a small temporary increase in energy expenditure after drinking water, though the effect is modest. Using water strategically; before meals, during cravings, and instead of caloric beverages, can improve adherence to your calorie target and support gradual fat loss.

To see how hydration fits into your daily target, use our calorie needs calculator to estimate maintenance calories and a sustainable deficit.

Browse more related questions in our Calorie Calculator FAQs.