'Exact amount' of water you should drink per day to lose weight and prevent kidney stones

Experts at the University of California examined evidence from 18 randomised clinical trials to better understand the impact of upping water consumption when it comes to various health issues

We all know that drinking water is crucial for keeping healthy and hydrated - but how much is 'enough'? Scientists now claim they've got the answer to this long-debated question - and it may just surprise you.

The fresh University of California study examined evidence from 18 randomised clinical trials to gain a better understanding of how increasing water intake affects various health issues, including headaches, infections, blood glucose levels, and weight loss. Most notably, they found that more water is linked to shedding pounds, with study groups experiencing between '44% to 100%' greater losses than control groups.

This was especially the case when it came to drinking six cups of water per day, while fewer 'nephrolithiasis events' - or kidney stones - were reportedly linked to around eight daily. "For such a ubiquitous and simple intervention, the evidence hasn’t been clear and the benefits were not well-established, so we wanted to take a closer look," said senior and corresponding author Benjamin Breyer.

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"The amount of rigorous research turned out to be limited, but in some specific areas, there was a statistically significant benefit. To our knowledge, this is the first study assessing the benefits of water consumption on clinical outcomes broadly."

Similarly, the NHS recommends that people should aim to drink six to eight glasses of 'fluid' per day. If you are pregnant, physically active for long periods, ill, or living in a hot environment, you may need to drink more than this.

Although water certainly 'counts' as a beneficial fluid for this, the health service notes that low-fat milk, sugar-free drinks, tea and coffee may be encompassed in this as well. "Water is a healthy and cheap choice to keep you hydrated, but other drinks can also count towards your fluid intake," its advice adds.

"We also get some fluids from the foods we eat. Learn why staying hydrated and reducing alcohol intake is important for your health." Beyond hydration, weight loss and kidney stones, the US-based team also stressed that 'migraine prevention, UTIs, diabetes control, and hypotension' benefits may arise from drinking more water too.

Though, they cautioned that evidence 'quality and quantity' was limited, while stating that a 'one size fits all' approach to glasses per day isn't always ideal. Breyer continued: "We know that dehydration is detrimental, particularly in someone with a history of kidney stones or urinary infections.

"On the other hand, someone who suffers from frequent urination at times may benefit from drinking less. There isn’t a one size fits all approach for water consumption."