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| - Last Updated on November 16, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that lemon water on an empty stomach can make you lose weight. We did a thorough fact check to term this claim as mostly false.
The Claim
According to an Instagram post, “Lemon juice in the early morning makes you lose weight – yes, that’s an accepted fact.”
Fact Check
Can lemon juice in water help with weight loss?
No, lemon juice in water alone cannot cause significant weight loss or cure obesity. While lemon juice is low in calories and contains vitamin C, it does not possess any magic properties that target fat loss. It may, however, aid our metabolism due to its fibre content. But to get this effect you need to actually consume the pulp of lemon and not just its juice. Losing weight requires a calorie deficit, which means burning more calories than you consume. Simply drinking lemon water does not significantly impact this process.
We reached out to Dr Swati Dave, PhD in Food and Nutrition, for her take on lemon for weight loss. She says, “Drinking lemon water can support hydration and digestion, but it’s not a substitute for proper weight loss strategies. People often believe simple fixes will work miracles, but sustainable weight loss comes from consistent healthy eating and staying active. Lemon water is beneficial for your overall health, but on its own, it won’t lead to significant weight loss.”
Dr Dave adds, “To get better results, have lemon water with breakfast or post-lunch. Don’t add sugar or honey to it. Room temperature water is fine. Adding lemon to boiling water is a bad idea, as Vitamin C is a heat-sensitive nutrient.”
Deepalakshmi Sriram, Registered Dietitian at The Cleft & Craniofacial Centre and Sree Balaji Medical College & Hospital, Chennai, shares her expertise on lemon water for weight loss, “Lemon water is refreshing and can be a healthy addition to your routine, but it’s not a magic solution for weight loss. It can also help in hydration. The best way to manage your weight is through a balanced diet and regular exercise. While lemon juice adds flavour and vitamin C, it doesn’t burn fat or boost your metabolism significantly.”
Does drinking lemon juice on an empty stomach boost metabolism?
Not really. There is no solid evidence that drinking lemon juice on an empty stomach directly boosts metabolism. While lemon juice is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, which supports overall health, it doesn’t provide an instant metabolic boost. Metabolism is influenced by factors such as genetics, activity level, diet, stress, sleep, and overall health. Although stress is closely linked to weight gain, some social media posts oversimplify weight loss by claiming it’s purely a mental challenge, neglecting the physical factors involved. While drinking lemon water can be refreshing, it isn’t a quick fix for fat burning.
Can lemon juice replace a proper diet and exercise plan for obesity?
Absolutely not. Obesity is a multifaceted condition often caused by poor diet, lack of exercise, and other environmental or genetic factors. Relying solely on lemon water will not replace the need for a balanced diet and regular exercise. In fact, reducing calorie intake and increasing physical activity are far more effective for long-term weight management. A combination of healthy eating habits, portion control, and daily exercise is important for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Is there any scientific evidence to support the claim that lemon juice can make you lose weight?
No, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that supports the claim. Numerous studies show that lemon juice, while beneficial for overall health, does not directly address the root causes of obesity. However, we found one review from 2008 that suggests lemon water can help with weight management in mice. It is true that lemons contain compounds like flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties, but these alone are not enough to cure obesity. Healthy weight loss relies on sustainable changes to one’s lifestyle, such as reducing caloric intake, increasing physical activity, and improving overall nutrition.
Are there any benefits to drinking lemon water?
Yes, lemon water can be beneficial in several ways. It helps keep you hydrated, and the vitamin C in lemons supports immune function. Vitamin C intake also lowers your chances of developing heart disease. Lemon water may help with digestion and maintaining healthy skin. It can also improve your iron absorption from your diet. However, too much vitamin C can cause stomach problems for people taking iron supplements, so it’s better to get iron from foods like meat, spinach, and lentils. Moreover, having lemon daily along with walking has the potential to lower blood pressure. However, these benefits are not related to weight loss or obesity treatment. They contribute to overall well-being but are not a cure for obesity.
Some people also claim that lemon water can relieve tooth pain, but this isn’t scientifically correct.
THIP Media Take
To conclude, the claim that lemon water on an empty stomach can cure obesity is mostly false. While lemon for weight loss is very popular among people, the scientific evidence is not strong enough. Still, it can be part of a healthy lifestyle, but it will not lead to significant weight loss on its own. Sustainable weight management requires a complete approach that includes proper diet, regular physical activity, lifestyle changes, and expert consultations when necessary.
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