In the pursuit of weight loss, many individuals meticulously adhere to diets and exercise regimens yet overlook a pivotal morning habit that could be undermining their efforts. According to Professor Franklin Joseph, neglecting proper hydration upon waking is a common mistake that may hinder weight loss progress.

"Most people wake up and go straight to the kitchen or grab a coffee without a second thought," said Joseph, according to the Mirror. He emphasized that the body's loss of water overnight through breathing and sweating necessitates immediate replenishment. If these lost fluids are not replaced promptly, one may face mild dehydration.

"Mild dehydration not only causes fatigue but also slows down metabolism," he noted. "Many people confuse thirst with hunger. They end up snacking or overeating because they think they're hungry when really they're just dehydrated." Proper fluid intake in the morning makes appetite control easier and prevents unnecessary snacking.

To maximize results, Joseph recommends drinking at least 400 to 500 milliliters of water within half an hour of getting up. "Before starting the day, 400-500 ml of water should be drunk. Adding a pinch of quality sea salt or electrolytes can increase its effect," he advised. "Electrolytes, especially for those who wake up tired in the morning or lead an active lifestyle, can support cellular-level hydration, providing energy and clarity," Joseph explained.

Starting the day with water allows the body to balance cortisol levels and manage energy better throughout the day. Elevated cortisol levels can hinder fat burning and provoke the accumulation of fat deposits in the abdominal area.

"For those who love to start the day with coffee, it's important to remember that caffeine taken on an empty stomach sharply increases cortisol levels, which is the body's main stress hormone," he warned. "Caffeine, especially in the morning, can cause fat accumulation, particularly in the abdominal area." "I recommend delaying coffee consumption for at least 60 to 90 minutes after waking up," Joseph said.

"Give your body time before reaching for caffeine or breakfast," stated Joseph, according to the Mirror. "This practice gives the body time to balance cortisol and manage energy levels better throughout the day."

Skipping proper hydration in the morning not only slows down metabolism but can nearly halt fat burning. "This is one of the most practical and natural ways to support fat burning throughout the day," he added.

Furthermore, exposure to sunlight and regular sleep also affect morning metabolism. "The hours in the morning are when metabolism is most active," he noted. Getting daylight in the morning regulates the body's biological clock and increases fat burning. Experts state that at least seven hours of quality sleep is critical for weight control.

Skipping breakfast puts the body into "famine" mode, causing metabolism to slow down. Research shows that individuals who have breakfast burn more calories throughout the day. However, what you do before you eat could be the hidden culprit behind unfulfilling weight results.

"Many have a tendency to focus on choosing between porridge, scrambled eggs, or foregoing breakfast altogether," observed Joseph, according to the Mirror. "But ignoring the body's needs after waking up, especially in terms of liquid intake, hinders the launch of metabolism."

The preparation of this article relied on a news-analysis system.