Bariatrics, Obesity and Hydration

The National Center for Health Statistics at the CDC estimates that more than 40% of adults in the US meet the criteria for obesity. While the causes of obesity are many, clinical studies show there is a definite link between dehydration and obesity; people who are dehydrated are more likely to be obese and vice versa.

Just as the causes of obesity are multifactorial, the treatment of obesity also needs to be multidimensional and holistic. Treatment for obesity needs to address key drivers, lifestyles, habits, and more.

One of the most significant aspects of treating obesity is hydration. Clinical studies have proved that drinking water can aid weight loss. This article will help you understand the connection between obesity and hydration at a deeper level. It will also provide you with easy-to-implement hydration strategies, tips and tricks.

Why Hydration Is a Critical Part Of Treating Obesity and For Weight Management?

A study of 9,500 adults conducted by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that participants who were under-hydrated had higher BMIs than those who were well-hydrated.

The benefits of hydrations as it relates to weight management include:

1. Suppressed appetite - Studies have found that drinking water before meals makes a person less hungry and allows them to eat less, thereby controlling calorie intake.
2. Optimal cellular activity - Drinking water helps stimulate metabolism and burn more calories, which in turn helps with weight management.
3. Good digestive health - Drinking water helps your digestive system function properly. Good digestion ensures that your body can absorb vital nutrients properly, preventing cravings arising from deficiencies, which could lead to unhealthy eating habits and, consequently, weight gain.
4. Control liquid calorie intake - Replacing high-calorie liquids with water, a zero-calorie liquid, can help control the number of calories and help with weight loss.
5. Helps the body remove waste - Consuming sufficient water helps the body’s excretory organs work well and eliminate toxins and waste effectively. This ensures that waste does not build up in the body, which can affect weight.
6. Get the most out of your workout sessions - Hydrating yourself before, during, and after a workout helps your body’s organs, including your muscles, joints, heart, and lungs, work optimally. This ensures that all the hard work you put into your workout session yields the results it should.

What hydration strategies can you put into practice to help with weight management?

1. Set a water intake target - The first step is to ensure that optimal water intake is a goal. Talk to your physician, dietician, or nutritionist, who can help you develop one based on age, weight, activity levels, and overall health.
2. Design a schedule - Whether you decide to have two glasses of water immediately after you wake up or to start a meal with an 8-ounce glass of water, devise a schedule that works for your lifestyle. Having a well-defined plan removes the guesswork and makes it much easier for you to meet your hydration needs.
3. Include water-rich fruits and vegetables - Melons, berries, cucumbers, lettuce are some foods that have a high water content. Consuming these will not only help meet your water target, but the fiber from these foods will also help you stay full longer.
4. Make liquid-rich meals a part of your diet - Consider including hearty soups, stews, and fresh smoothies in your everyday meal plan; these can be quite filling and nutritious.

Invest in a smart water bottle - Smart water bottles such as HidrateSpark help users meet their water intake goals by allowing customization, providing regular reminders, and integrating with your smartwatch. Its unique SipSense technology calculates and records the amount of liquids consumed and helps you stick to your ​H₂O​ target. All in all, it is your very own personal hydration cheerleader and guide.

Hydration, a balanced diet, and exercise are essential aspects of weight management and critical in the treatment of obesity. Find out how you can be on the road to good health with a little help from HidrateSpark!