The study found that 43% of participants arrived at workouts already dehydrated, while 57% didn't consume adequate carbohydrates during exercise — with exactly half consuming none at all, well short of GSSI's recommended 30–60 grams per hour. Participants also replaced only about 20% of sodium electrolyte losses during practice, compared to GSSI's recommended 50%, with basketball athletes showing the highest sodium losses of any sport measured. And while women generally have lower sweat rates than men, the research found wide variation among women themselves, underscoring the need for individualized rather than one-size-fits-all guidance.
"The data from our first 'Body of Science' study is clear – these aren't small gaps between what women's bodies need and how they're fueling," said Dr. Kimberly Stein, Senior Principal Scientist at GSSI. "Being armed with this data will help us conduct deeper, more targeted research in future 'Body of Science' work."
GSSI's research is now expanding into life stages including premenopause, perimenopause, and menopause, with more than 500 women already enrolled. Women can join ongoing research through the GSSI Labs app's Female Athlete Hydration Survey and earn gift card rewards redeemable on Gatorade.com.
During AT&T WNBA All-Star Week in Chicago, Gatorade is co-hosting the WNBA Line 'Em Up community event and a panel at the Chicago Sky Media & Innovation Summit on hydration, injury prevention, and women's long-term health. "Understanding what female bodies need for hydration and nutrition to perform their best on the court shouldn't be a luxury, and Gatorade is putting in the work to make sure it's not," said 8x WNBA All-Star A'ja Wilson. The "Body of Science" research to date has not included WNBA player participation. More information is available at gatorade.com/body-of-science.
