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Water helps with obesity and migraines, researchers have found
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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Drinking eight glasses of water a day has long been considered a healthy habit, but how much is it backed up? Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) conducted a systematic review of the evidence and found that drinking enough water not only helps with weight management, but also prevents kidney stones, migraines, urinary tract infections, and low blood pressure.
Key findings of the study
A study published in JAMA Network Open analyzed data from 18 randomized controlled trials and found significant benefits of water in some specific cases.
Prevention of kidney stones:
- Drinking eight glasses of water a day significantly reduced the likelihood of recurring kidney stones.
Weight loss:
- Adults who drank about six glasses of water a day lost weight. However, no such effect was observed in teenagers who drank more than eight glasses a day.
- However, the authors noted that encouraging drinking water before meals could be a simple and inexpensive way to combat obesity.
Preventing infections and other conditions:
- Migraines: In adults with frequent headaches, symptoms improved after three months of increasing water intake.
- Diabetes: Drinking an extra four glasses of water a day helped lower blood sugar levels in patients with high glucose.
- Urinary tract infections: Women who drank six extra glasses of water a day were less likely to have infections and had a longer time between recurrences.
- Low Blood Pressure: In young people with hypotension, their condition improved with increased water intake.
Individual approach to water consumption
Dr. Benjamin Breuer, lead author of the study, noted that there is no one-size-fits-all norm.
- People who are prone to kidney stones or urinary tract infections may benefit greatly from increased water intake.
- However, those who suffer from frequent urination may benefit from drinking less water.
"Dehydration has a negative impact on the body, especially in people with a history of urinary tract disease or kidney stones. However, the approach to water consumption should be individualized," Breyer emphasized.
Conclusion
Increasing your water intake is a simple, inexpensive way to improve your health and can be helpful in preventing a number of diseases. However, it is important to consider your individual needs and consult with your doctor.