How is mild dehydration defined?

Mild dehydration is characterized by a loss of less than 2% of body weight, which aligns with the body's threshold for maintaining adequate hydration levels. This degree of hydration loss can start to impact performance and may manifest as increased thirst, slightly decreased urine output, and mild fatigue. Recognizing mild dehydration is essential for athletes, as it can affect their performance and overall safety. Understanding these hydration levels helps trainers develop appropriate hydration strategies to prevent more significant dehydration and its associated complications. Therefore, a definition that specifies losses under 2% of body weight is consistent with established guidelines for recognizing mild dehydration.