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Lemon water is a favorite among dietitians. Among other benefits, drinking lemon water<\/a> can curb cravings, safeguard your cells against damage, and promote healthier-looking skin. Many people online also claim that it supports weight loss, so we asked dietitians to explain whether or not lemon water offers any weight loss benefits.<\/p>\n The short answer: \u201cThere\u2019s really no strong evidence that adding a squeeze of lemon to your water directly causes weight loss,\u201d explains Sydney Lappe, M.S., R.D.N.<\/a>, a registered dietitian at Top Nutrition Coaching. \u201cThat said, lemon water can still be a helpful habit. If the hint of citrus makes plain water more appealing or helps you swap soda, sweet tea, or other sugary drinks for water, it may indirectly support weight loss.\u201d<\/p>\n Meet the Experts: Sydney Lappe, M.S., R.D.N.<\/a>, registered dietitian at Top Nutrition Coaching; Michelle Cardel, Ph.D., R.D.<\/a>, registered dietitian and chief nutrition officer at WeightWatchers, Dawn Menning, M.S., R.D.<\/a>, registered dietitian and diabetes care and education specialist with Nutu App, Susan M, Kundrat, M.S., R.D.N.<\/a>, founder of Eat Move Groove, and Trista Best M.P.H., R.D.N.<\/a>, registered dietitian at The Candida Diet.<\/p>\n Below experts explain what to understand about the benefits of lemon water, the side effects to know, and tips for sticking with healthy habits.<\/p>\n Hydration<\/p>\n \u201cNot everyone enjoys drinking plain water, adding a lemon may help you drink more water and stay better hydrated,\u201d says Dawn Menning, M.S., R.D.<\/a>, program director for digital health at Nutu App. Hydration \u201chelps facilitate nutrient transport, digestion, and keeps your energy levels up,\u201d adds Michelle Cardel, Ph.D., R.D.<\/a>, chief nutrition officer at WeightWatchers.<\/p>\n Weight loss<\/p>\n Does lemon water help you lose weight? To be clear: Lemon water is not a weight loss drug<\/a> or standalone method of weight loss. However, drinking it may help you lose weight, indirectly. \u201cBy substituting a sugar-sweetened beverage with lemon water, it will cut the calories to zero,\u201d says Menning. \u201cFor example, a 12-ounce soda swapped for 12-ounce lemon water will save 160 calories.\u201d<\/p>\n Staying hydrated with lemon water may also help you consume fewer calories overall. \u201cIt can be difficult to assess whether we are hungry or thirsty,\u201d says Susan M, Kundrat, M.S., R.D.N.<\/a>, founder of Eat Move Groove. \u201cSo, drinking fluids that boost your hydration may help lower total calorie intake during the day.\u201d<\/p>\n You may also be motivated to be more active, Kundrat says, as the hydration boost may help with energy levels. \u201cYou could burn more fat by getting up and moving more often,\u201d she adds. \u201cIt\u2019s all connected.\u201d<\/p>\n Vitamin C<\/p>\n \u201cLemons are a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps protect the body\u2019s cells from damage,\u201d Menning explains. \u201cVitamin C supports immune function, helps in the production of collagen, and helps the body absorb iron.\u201d<\/p>\n Digestion<\/p>\n \u201cLemon water has been shown<\/a> to support weight loss by improving insulin resistance and digestion,\u201d says Trista Best M.P.H., R.D.N.<\/a>, registered dietitian at The Candida Diet. \u201cDrinking lemon water in the morning acts also as a laxative<\/a> when you drink it warmed.\u201d<\/p>\n Kidney stones<\/p>\n