Mental Health & Wellness > Wellness Matters

New research on sparkling water for weight loss: Evidence suggests surprising health benefits—and harms

By Sarah Caesar | Fact-checked by Davi Sherman

Published February 3, 2025

Key Takeaways

Industry Buzz

"There's also some signs and studies that show it helps with gut motility which aids digestion and also … drinking water is so important to [help] break down fats." — @doctor_darien
“It is important to note that carbonated water alone is unlikely to contribute significantly to weight loss. A balanced diet and regular exercise remain essential for effective weight management.” — Akira Takahashi, MD

Find more of your peers' perspectives and insights below.

Sparkling, or carbonated, water has been infused with carbon dioxide gas under pressure—and its delightful fizz makes it a healthy alternative to sugary sodas and drinks, especially for those with weight loss in mind.

But a new report has found that there may be something special about sparkling water that can actually aid in fat loss.

The report, published January 20, 2025, in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health found that the carbon dioxide (CO2) in carbonated water may aid weight loss by enhancing glucose uptake and metabolism in red blood cells.^[] Researchers suggest this occurs through the conversion of bicarbonate (HCO3), which boosts energy production.

The skinny on sparkling water

While the recent results may be promising, the experts maintain that sparkling water’s weight-loss benefits are only minimal.

"While the feeling of fullness caused by carbonated water may reduce food intake and potentially influence caloric balance, its immediate glucose-lowering effect is both brief and minimal in terms of overall metabolism. Clinically, this effect is unlikely to significantly impact glucose measurements," explains study author Akira Takahashi, MD, in an interview with MDLinx.

@abcgma3 Can carbonated water help with losing weight? #weightloss #health @Doctor Darien ♬ original sound - GMA3

According to the researcher, follow-up studies using Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) to assess blood glucose levels before and after consuming carbonated water are necessary for further validation.

While it may not be the best kept secret in weight loss medicine, sparkling water does have health benefits—it’s best being that it keeps you hydrated and makes you feel full.

Darien Sutton MD, MBA, an emergency medicine physician and medical correspondent for ABC, highlighted other positives of sparkling water last week on Good Morning America: “There are some interesting theories as to why carbonated water might help with weight loss, … one of them being Lowering glucose. [there are also] some signs and studies that show it helps with gut motility which aids digestion, and also hydration, … drinking water is so important to [help] break down fats.”

But what about the health risks?

As most fizzy-water fans know, sparkling water has come under fire for its potentially detrimental health effects—primarily linked to the drink’s natural acidity, which has been said to have worrisome effects, in particular, on dental health.

But contrary to common misconceptions, drinking carbonated water does not increase the acidity of your body.^[] The body is highly efficient at maintaining a stable blood pH, typically ranging from 7.35 to 7.45.

One concern that has been highlighted is its potential impact on dental health, especially enamel erosion. One study, for example, revealed that carbonated water can damage etched or sealed enamel, reducing microhardness and degrading adhesive materials.^[] Although sparkling water can be harmful to your teeth, its impact is less damaging compared to sugary beverages.^[]

Some of the other health misconceptions around carbonated water are actually linked to cola beverages, like Coke and Diet Coke, such as calcium loss in bones. Carbonated drinks in general, including sparkling water and sodas, may also cause bloating and gas.

To minimize these health risks, don't replace carbonated beverages entirely with plain old water. It may even benefit you to rinse out your mouth with flat water after drinking sparkling water, in order to help neutralize acidity.

“It is important to note that carbonated water alone is unlikely to contribute significantly to weight loss. A balanced diet and regular exercise remain essential for effective weight management,” Dr. Takahashi concludes.