When it comes to losing belly fat, people will try almost anything: eating clean and balanced, stacking ab sessions, applying creams, turning to food supplements… But what if one simple, everyday habit could make a difference? Does drinking hot water really help you lose belly fat? Here’s what people say about this habit, what you can realistically expect from it, and which hot drinks are worth choosing day to day.
What are the benefits of drinking hot water?
The human body is made up of around 70% water. Water fulfils countless physiological functions and is essential to life. That’s why it’s so important to stay properly hydrated every day: around 1.5 to 2 litres under normal conditions, and more in hot weather. Some people prefer to drink their water warm rather than cold, a habit found in several traditions. But what’s the real story?
Drinking hot water is a practice championed in particular by Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. In everyday life, it’s:
- a pleasant way to drink throughout the day;
- a drink that counts towards your fluid intake, just like cold water;
- a ritual that plays a big part in these traditions; we take a closer look at the idea of body detoxification in a dedicated article;
- a warm drink many people enjoy at the end of a meal;
- a warm drink enjoyed in cold weather, with no demonstrated effect on blood circulation;
- a little break you are happy to take, including at times of stress.
Another claim you’ll read: drinking hot water daily, both on an empty stomach and after meals, is said to be enough to lose weight and achieve a flatter stomach. But what does the evidence actually say?
Hot water and a flat stomach: do the claims stack up?
Several explanations circulate to support the idea that hot water would help you lose belly fat.
- First, drinking hot water is said to trigger a rise in metabolic rate and, as a result, increased lipolysis. The idea is that the body is pushed to maintain a stable temperature and, in doing so, must burn calories. No study has shown this.
- Additionally, drunk first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, hot water is said to be a good way to start the day. What really counts is the amount of water you drink over the whole day.
- Finally, when consumed at the end of a meal, hot water is often appreciated, much like other after-meal drinks. It’s a matter of comfort, not a way to “break down” dietary fats.
In practice, no study has shown that hot water has any effect on belly fat. Many people simply find warm to hot water more pleasant to drink than ice-cold water, especially after a meal. If the feeling of bloating that can make the stomach look swollen bothers you, or if digestive discomfort persists, speak to your doctor. As for the idea that drinking hot water has a “detoxifying” effect, there is nothing to back it up.
So while hot water won’t melt away abdominal fat like magic, it should above all offer a pleasant way to stay well hydrated.
What water should you drink for a flatter tummy?
No type of water works on belly fat by itself. Temperature is mainly a matter of comfort: lots of people find warm to hot water nicer to drink than very cold water, particularly after a meal.
The key thing is to stay well hydrated throughout the day, with around 1.5 to 2 litres a day under normal conditions, and more in hot weather. Plain warm water, unsweetened tea or herbal tea: mix it up to suit your mood, and steer clear of sugary drinks.
Which other hot drinks can you enjoy instead of plain hot water?
If simply drinking hot water starts to feel a bit dull, it can be more enjoyable to reach for other hot drinks. Not just any, though: we’re thinking, of course, of herbal teas and teas with no added sugar. These are sipped just like hot water, plus you get the flavour of the plants they’re crafted from.
Discover our duo: the Fat-Burning Slimming Tea and the Detox Slimming Herbal Tea:
- the Fat-Burning Tea, crafted from black tea, citrus fruits and plants (green anise, peppermint), to enjoy hot at the end of a meal;
- the Detox Herbal Tea, a blend of lemon, plants (couch grass, meadowsweet) and hibiscus. To find out more, read our articles on water retention and on a bloated stomach.
Our drinks are of natural origin and vegan, and can be enjoyed as a short course or as part of your everyday routine.
Frequently asked questions
Does drinking hot water help you lose belly fat?
Not directly: no study has shown that hot water has any effect on belly fat. It simply contributes to your hydration, in the same way as cold water. A balanced diet and regular physical activity remain the foundation of good everyday habits.
Is drinking hot water suitable for everyone?
Drinking warm to hot water is a simple everyday habit. Wait until it has cooled down a little so you don’t scald yourself. If you have any digestive issues or the slightest doubt, ask your GP for advice.
Related articles
- How to lose belly fat without doing abs?
- Foods and Your Belly: Which Ones to Limit and Why
- How to lose belly fat without exercise?
Useful categories: Slimming the Belly, Weight Management.
