Water for weight loss: pros? Cons?

Question
Ahead of time thank you for your time and help.
I currently need to lose over 100 lbs so I'm always researching for ideas.I've always heard and read to drink plenty of water right before and during meals to fill on that instead of food.However I recently read that in fact you should not have anything to drink within 20 minutes or with food to keep from diluting your stomach acids therefore assisting in proper digesting.I also recently read that the Japanese in general believe water makes you fat.
your opinion on this ?
Thank You
Teresa

Answer
Teresa,

Researchers in Germany have found that drinking water may increase the rate at which people burn calories. Metabolic rates among study participants increased by 30 percent after consuming approximately 17 ounces of water. The energy-burning process of metabolism needs water to work effectively. Water also fills you up, curbs your appetite, flushes out your system, and rids the body of bloat. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses per day -- more if you're active
Source: http://dietandbody.com/Tips/2007/03/7-tips-to-speed-up-your-metabolism.html

However, it can depend on the type of diet you are on. Higher-carbohydrate diets do require more water while higher-fat, carb-reduced diets do not because in this case, muscles don't retain water due to increased glycogen content. Glycogen is the form in which carbohydrates are being stored by the body. Also, a mild water deprivation keeps ketone body concentration in the body fluids higher thus helping fat burning.

More about water:

Facts about water and weight loss
http://dietandbody.com/faq/2007/01/facts-about-water-and-weight-loss.html

How much water you really need
http://dietandbody.com/article1229.html

Water and detox diets
http://dietandbody.com/Tips/2007/07/top-tips-for-your-own-detox-plan.html

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