Does drinking lemon juice on an empty stomach really make you slim? Myth or reality?
It's one of the most popular pieces of advice shared on the internet and in wellness magazines: drinking lemon juice on an empty stomach can help you slim down faster, eliminate toxins and get a flat stomach. But what does the science really say? Do you have to squeeze a lemon every morning to lose weight? Let's decipher a persistent misconception.
A ritual good for digestion... but not miraculous
Drinking a glass of warm water with lemon in the morning gently stimulates digestion, in particular by awakening bile production and activating the liver. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and citric acid, making them a great boost for the digestive system. For some people, it can reduce the feeling of bloating or improve transit.
➡️But beware: this does not mean that it melts fat.
No direct effect on weight loss
Contrary to what some articles claim, lemon has no scientifically proven fat-burning powers. It doesn't dislodge fat cells or stimulate metabolism in any significant way. Just because it's acidic or "detoxifying" doesn't mean it's slimming.
According to a review published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition (2022), so-called "detoxifying" foods have no solid evidence of a slimming effect outside of an overall balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
A good hydration reflex
If this ritual helps some people to hydrate better in the morning, avoid overly sweet breakfasts or reconnect with their hunger sensations, then yes, it can indirectly contribute to better eating habits. It's a behavioral aid, not a magic bullet.
Avoid in case of digestive disorders
Drinking lemon on an empty stomach can be irritating for those prone to heartburn, gastric acidity or reflux. It's best to test gently, and not to adopt it systematically if you feel discomfort.
Verdict: partial myth
Drinking lemon juice on an empty stomach won't make you lose weight directly, but it can be part of a wellness routine, as long as you don't think it will replace a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Adèle Peyches
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