What should individuals do to evaluate their hydration status?

Monitoring body weight changes is a reliable method for evaluating hydration status because fluctuations in body weight can indicate shifts in fluid balance. When an individual is adequately hydrated, body weight remains relatively stable. However, if a person experiences significant weight loss, it may suggest dehydration, especially if this change occurs rapidly. Conversely, weight gain could indicate fluid retention, which may sometimes occur under conditions of overhydration or in response to certain health issues.

Evaluating hydration through body weight is practical since it can be easily performed with minimal resources. This approach allows individuals to recognize trends over time, which can be particularly useful for athletes or others who are actively managing their hydration for performance or health purposes. This method stands out because it provides a direct, observable metric that reflects hydration status, rather than an indirect measure, which can be less reliable or relevant.