Dear Doctor,

Is it true that drinking a lot of water causes weight gain? Nicholas

Dear Nicholas,

Water forms 70 per cent of our body and is very essential for the body. It causes it to be well hydrated, provides glow to the face, keeps mucous surfaces moist, removes toxins from the body, aids in various metabolic processes, and helps in transportation of vitamins and minerals. Drinking much water helps in reducing weight by reducing the amount of food consumed.

However, the body has a limited capacity to handle water. If water taken exceeds this capacity, the body can no longer flush out the extra water and it will cause weight gain. This is known as, ‘water weight”.

Usually the amount of water a person drinks depends on their food habits, other beverages or drinks taken, their working habits and overall health status. After a fatty or very salty food there is more craving for water. People working outdoors, doing heavy physical work tend to feel more thirsty and drink more water.

Similarly someone with uncontrolled diabetes feels excess thirst and drinks more water.

On average, an adult is advised to drink 8-10 glasses of water per day. This should be divided throughout the day. Avoid drinking much water in a binge, i.e. at the same time. Avoid taking many other fluids with water at the same time.