Whle there’s no magic pill—or juice cleanse—for truly effortless weight loss, one of our favorite drinks could possibly lend a helping hand.
The beverage in question? None other than sparkling water, which has been linked to feeling fuller, improving digestion, and even lowering blood sugar levels, according to an Osaka Medical College study. There is, however, much more recent research on the subject now that researchers at Japan’s Tesseikai Neurosurgery Hospital set out to find out why.
Their findings, published in the journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health in January 2025, concluded that carbonated water’s impact on blood sugar and metabolism is due to carbon dioxide (CO2). Basically, once the CO2 absorbs into your bloodstream, it’s converted into bicarbonate and triggers a glucose metabolism-boosting response.
🩺 SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week 💊
That means there’s definitely a link between carbonated water and weight loss, right? Technically, yes, but the authors sadly concluded that any impact on metabolism is too small to make a major difference on its own.
But wait—don’t put down the LaCroix! Carbonated water and weight loss can still go hand in hand. Ahead, a registered dietitian breaks down everything we need to know and understand about carbonated water and weight loss, and shares how it actually can aid one’s weight loss journey.
Related: Here’s What Happens to Your Body If You Drink Sparkling Water Every Day
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Carbonated Water and Weight Loss: What to Know
What did the study find?
TL;DR? “This article did not find much evidence that carbonated water supports weight loss efforts,” Sara Riehm, RD, LD/N, CSOWM, a specialty dietitian and certified specialist in obesity weight management at Orlando Health Center for Health Improvement, tells Parade. “In fact, several times throughout the article, the author discusses how intake of carbonated water will yield such small changes in blood glucose and metabolism that it can’t be relied upon as a method for weight management.”
What they did find was a plausible explanation for how this could happen in the body, Riehm adds: “But that it would happen in such a small way that it would not be a viable strategy for weight loss.”
All of that being said, that doesn’t mean carbonated water can’t help weight weight loss per se. It definitely can—when utilized accordingly.
Related: Love Prebiotic Soda? Registered Dietitians Are Begging You to Pay Attention to This One Thing
So…can carbonated water help with weight loss?
It can, especially when used as a healthy swap for soda. “The health benefits for drinking carbonated water largely come from it being an alternative to soda,” says Riehm. “It’s a fizzy, pleasurable liquid to drink that gives us a break from our typical still water.”
Since most carbonated waters have very little or no added sugar in them, they also serve as a more pleasant way to boost hydration, Riehm continues: “When I’m helping a client look for carbonated water to drink, I encourage them to review the food label. I recommend finding one without added sugar and with as few ingredients as possible.”
Basically, think very few to no calories or grams of sugar. Some of our favorites that fit the bill include LaCroix Sparkling Water, Bubly Sparkling Water, Polar Seltzer Water, or Saratoga Sparkling Water. If you prefer a glass bottle, try Topo Chico Mineral Water (my personal favorite!).
Related: So Long, Added Sugar! Sip on These 16 Healthy Sodas and Soda Alternatives Instead
Just remember, as with most things, you can have too much of a good thing. “The bubbles in carbonated water can cause bloating or uncomfortable gas and certain beverages contain minerals or citric acid that can erode the enamel on our teeth,” Riehm points out, so be sure to diversify your beverage intake accordingly.
“Carbonated water shouldn’t be our main or only source of hydration,” Riehm concludes. “Plain water is best for that.”
Up Next:
Related: The #1 Sign You Aren’t Drinking Enough Water—and How To Tell if You’re *Overhydrated*
Sources:
- “The mechanism of hypoglycemia caused by hemodialysis.” Clinical Nephrology.
- “Can carbonated water support weight loss?” BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health.
- Sara Riehm, RD, LD/N, CSOWM, a specialty dietitian and certified specialist in obesity weight management at Orlando Health Center for Health Improvement
