Incredible as it may seem, water is quite possibly the single most important catalyst in losing weight and keeping it off. Water supresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits. Here's why: The kidneys can't function properly without enough water. When they don't work to capacity, some of their load is dumped onto the liver. One of the liver's primary functions is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy for the body. But if the liver has to do some of the kidney's work it can't operate at full throttle. As a result, it metabolizes less fat more fat remains stored in the body and weight loss stops. Drinking enough water is the best treatment for fluid retention. Diuretics offer a temporary solution at best. They force out stored water along with some essential nutrients. The best way to overcome the problem of water retention is to give your body what it needs -- plenty of water. The more salt you eat the more water your system retains to dilute it. But getting rid of unneeded salt is easy -- just drink more water. The overweight person needs more water than a thin one. Water can help relieve constipation. When the body gets too little water, it siphons what it needs from internal sources. How much water is enough? On the average, a person should drink eight 8-ounce glasses every day. That's about 2 quarts. The amount you drink also should be increased if you exercise briskly or if the weather is hot and dry.