What specific gravity value is considered to indicate dehydration?

The specific gravity of urine is an important indicator of hydration status. A specific gravity greater than 1.025 suggests that the urine is more concentrated, which typically occurs when the body is attempting to conserve water due to dehydration. When the kidneys sense a lack of fluid in the body, they produce more concentrated urine to retain water, resulting in a higher specific gravity.

Values in this range indicate that the individual may not be adequately hydrated, as the kidneys are working harder to reduce water loss. This concentration can be observed in various conditions, including prolonged exercise without adequate fluid intake, illness that causes fluid loss, or conditions that lead to reduced fluid intake overall.