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Diet and Nutrition

Truth Time: Do You Really Need 8 Glasses of Water a Day?

The exact water you need a day depends on many factors, including climate, physical activity, and your diet.

Lauren Smith, MASanjai Sinha, MD
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD
Updated on October 1, 2025
Featuring Sharon Richter, RDReviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD | October 1, 2025

You’ve likely heard the recommendation that eight glasses of water is the magic number for staying hydrated. This may not be a hard-and-fast rule since certain factors may affect your personal water consumption needs. 

In this video, learn how much water is recommended, and what factors might make someone need more water than others, according to Sharon Richter, RD, Registered Dietitian in New York City.

References

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Sanjai Sinha, MD
Reviewed by:
Sanjai Sinha, MD
Sanjai Sinha, MD, is a board-certified physician with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in internal medicine.

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