Staying Hydrated on Weight-loss Medications

The following is an excerpt from the Mayo Clinic Press book The Mayo Clinic Diet: Weight-Loss Medications Edition.

Adequate water is very important because dehydration is a common side effect of weight-loss drugs. Dehydration occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy level and make you tired.

To avoid dehydration, it’s essential to take in plenty of fluids. Women should aim for about 9 cups of fluid intake per day and men should aim for 13 cups daily. The specific amount depends on your activity, how warm it is and how much water is in your food.

Preventing dehydration is critical because dehydration contributes to many other side effects associated with weight-loss medications including constipation, headaches, fatigue, kidney problems and gallstones.

Consider other fluid options

Although water is your best choice in terms of beverages, you don’t need to rely solely on water to meet your fluid needs. What you eat also can contribute to your fluid intake. For example, many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and spinach, are almost 100% water by weight.

Milk, black coffee and tea also can contribute to your daily fluid intake. It’s best to avoid sugar-sweetened drinks. Regular soda, energy or sports drinks, and other sweet drinks contain a lot of added sugars, which can make it more difficult to lose weight.

Am I drinking enough?

A quick and easy way to check if you’re getting enough water is to check the color of your urine. If your urine is colorless or light yellow, that’s a good sign you’re drinking enough water. If it’s dark yellow or amber in color, you may need to increase the amount of water you consume.

How to get more

To ensure that your body has the fluids it needs, make water your beverage of choice and try these tips:

+ Start your day with at least 8 ounces of water.

+ Drink a glass of water with each meal and between meals.

+ Rehydrate before, during and after exercise.

What strategies have you used to stay hydrated?