Skip to main contentSkip to search

Hydration

Are You Dehydrated? Gatorade Has the Hydration Science

October 22, 2026▪5 min read
man running with gatorade bottle

Feeling tired, foggy or unfocused? Experiencing low energy or a headache? The Science of Hydration campaign survey conducted highlights, these symptoms in some cases may be signs associated with mild-to-moderate dehydration.*

Gatorade launched its Science of Hydration campaign on National Hydration Day (June 23, 2026), bringing more than 60 years of hydration expertise to a challenge that can extend beyond sports and into everyday life.

The campaign is designed to help consumers recognize signs associated with mild-to-moderate dehydration and make hydration a daily priority - just like tracking sleep, steps or overall wellness.

How Common Is Dehydration?  

More than 150 million Americans report experiencing symptoms they associate with the feeling of dehydration every week.**  

Dehydration isn't only a consideration for athletes or people working in extreme heat. Gatorade's Science of Hydration campaign highlights how it can show up across everyday life - including travel days, family routines, outdoor activities, physically demanding jobs and high-heat environments.  

According to the studies reviewed among women specifically, 65 million report that dehydration can negatively impacts overall health, mood, focus, energy and sleep.  

Together, these statistics help illustrate why Gatorade's campaign is bringing greater attention to hydration as an everyday wellness priority.  

What Are the Signs of Mild-to-Moderate Dehydration?  

Headache, low energy, fatigue, feeling foggy or unfocused? These symptoms might be signs of mild-to-moderate dehydration.*  

The Science of Hydration campaign highlights symptoms that can include:  

  • Headache   

  • Low energy   

  • Fatigue   

  • Feeling foggy   

  • Feeling unfocused   

Because these symptoms can occur during everyday life - not just intense exercise - people may not always associate how they are feeling with their hydration status.  

When May People Be at Greater Risk for Dehydration?  

The Science of Hydration campaign highlights several everyday situations where dehydration can become a concern.  

Travel: Flying can increases the risk of dehydration due to cabin humidity, altitude and lower fluid intake according to research reviewed. Separately, 81% of people who travel — whether by plane, car, or train — don’t feel fully hydrated. 

Physically demanding jobs: Research reviewed suggests being dehydrated may be associated with an increased risk of injury during a shift involving physically demanding work.  

High-heat environments: According to these studies Hot summer conditions are another occasion when staying ahead of dehydration can become particularly important.  

Everyday activities: Family routines, outdoor activities and busy summer schedules are among the everyday moments highlighted by the campaign where hydration may not always be top of mind.  

By connecting hydration to familiar situations, the campaign aims to help consumers recognize that hydration needs can extend well beyond sports and exercise.  

Which Gatorade Products Are Designed to Support Hydration?  

Gatorade's Science of Hydration campaign brings together products designed to meet a range of hydration needs and occasions, with two distinct hydration claims: Hydrates Better Than Water and Hydrates Faster Than Water.  

Hydrates Better Than Water  

Gatorade, with a clinically proven electrolyte blend, is engineered to improve hydration balance. Hydrates Better Than Water.  

This claim applies to Gatorade Thirst Quencher, Gatorade Lower Sugar and G Zero.  

Gatorade Zero Powders have also been scientifically designed to help improve hydration balance in the body.  

Hydrates Faster Than Water  

Gatorlyte, with a specialized blend of five electrolytes, was scientifically designed to help move fluids into the body faster for Rapid Rehydration. Hydrates Faster Than Water.  

The Science of Hydration campaign features Gatorade Thirst Quencher, G Zero, Gatorade Lower Sugar, Gatorlyte, G Zero Powder and Gatorlyte Powder as part of Gatorade's broader hydration portfolio.  

Why Is Gatorade Helping Lead the Hydration Conversation?  

For more than 60 years, Gatorade has led the science of hydration.  

The Science of Hydration campaign brings that expertise beyond sports to spotlight mild-to-moderate dehydration as an everyday challenge. Through science-centered education and relatable moments, the campaign is designed to help consumers better recognize potential signs of dehydration and consider hydration across work, travel, outdoor activities and daily life.  

At the same time, the campaign showcases Gatorade's portfolio of products designed to meet a wide range of hydration needs and occasions - reinforcing the brand's focus on putting hydration science at the center of the conversation.  

*Signs of mild-to-moderate dehydration. Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.  

**Source:Murphy Research, Dehydration Claims Study, March 2026

Gatorade Sports Science Institute

Written by Gatorade.