Does drinking lots of water help or hinder weight loss plus other health questions?

[AnonB17]

I've pretty much been skinny my entire life. I'm really self conscious. I don't think I'm the prettiest girl out there, but the one thing I really loved about myself was my body. For a while I could pretty much eat whatever and however I wanted, and I'd stay lean and toned. But then it all started to catch up to me. During the summer I got a job at a fast food restaurant. On our lunch breaks we were allowed to eat anything on the menu, completely free of charge. So, lacking discipline I began eating their junk, every single day for weeks. Ultimately I began gaining weight, which lead to an eating disorder that I'm still trying to overcome. I'm not fat, and I know I'm not fat. In fact I have a body that most girls would kill for. But There is one problem area that I can't stand, and it's what's causing all this trouble. It's this pouch of fat I have right under my belly button/navel. It's not big, but I notice it. Instead of starving myself, I decided to just take on healthier habits. I read somewhere that drinking a lot of water, especially ice water, helps to lose/maintain weight. But I've experienced opposite effects. I drink two cups of tea and several bottles of water a day, and I find that instead of cleansing me, it makes my stomach bloat. So is it really helping my weight loss, or just hindering it? Also I know this is the fitness section so if you guys have any advice on healthy ways of overcoming an eating disorder and getting rid of my "belly pouch" please comment below.

[john52461]

First of all see if you can get over your eating disorder, then you can worry about getting rid of that bit of fat. Starving yourself is not a good idea unless you know what you're doing. You need to make sure you're getting enough nutrients. At a minimum have some sort of protein shake like any meal replacement type pre-made shakes they sell at the store. Have a vitamin too. As you're starving yourself your body will waste away muscle at some point for energy or to support other functions. Doing sit up will not help you get rid of the fat there. You should try lifting weights to gain back some of the muscle you probably lost from your bad diet.

[Welladjustedeyes]

It helps. Drinking a lot of water every day helps release toxins from your body as well as keep your body from storing water. Plus sugary beverages (even calorie free sweeteners) boost insulin which is actually more anabolic than test) which will make you store fat

[MaiNameIsSunshine]

It should help, when are you drinking your water if you don't mind my asking my dear?

[AnonB17]

I drink one glass of tea in the morning and one before bed. And as for the several bottles of water, I drink those throughout the day.

[MaiNameIsSunshine]

Do you drink while eating? That generally causes bloating.

[AnonB17]

I drink while eating yea. But mainly drink without eating

[MaiNameIsSunshine]

Try drinking your water about half an hour before eating instead of during and continue to drink the rest of your water per usual, I think that may help 👌🏼