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Can You Lose Weight if You Retain Water?

Water retention is more than uncomfortable bloating and swelling; it's a sign that the body is not functioning properly. It's also an indication that your body is transforming food into stored body fat. Water retention is your body asking for what it really needs.

  1. Causes of Water Retention

    • Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., a registered dietician, notes that high sodium intake and certain health conditions are causes of water retention. Water retention is the body's misguided way of storing the water it needs for when it is not getting enough water.

    Diuretic Options

    • Diuretics are drugs or natural substances that cause the body to expel excess water. "Dandelion, ginger and juniper may have a diuretic effect," according to Zeratsky, but she warns that natural diuretics or supplements can be harmful, especially if you're taking other medications. Caffeine is a common ingredient in over-the-counter diuretics, but it can have negative effects on the heart. The absolute best and safest diuretic, according to a wide number of sources including Zeratsky, is plenty of water.

    Water and Weight Loss

    • Adequate hydration allows the body to relieve itself of stored water, leading to immediate water-weight loss. Hydration also aids in burning fat for even greater weight loss. When the kidneys are functioning properly, less work is demanded from the liver so it can metabolize calories, rather then turning them into stored fat. Zeratsky also recommends eating more fruits and vegetables for their water content. Drinking sufficient water first gets rid of water weight, then allows for regular weight loss to occur.

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