overhydration

Also known as: water excess, water intoxication

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Oct 8, 2024 • Article History

Also called:: water intoxication or water excess

Related Topics:: nutritional disease; malnutrition

See all related content

overhydration, condition characterized by an excessive volume of water in the body. Overhydration occurs when the body’s ability to dispose of fluid is overcome by a large fluid intake. It also can occur when the mechanisms for the disposal of excess fluid are defective, as is the case when more vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone), a hormone that regulates the retention of water by the kidneys, is secreted than the body needs. Water intoxication from excessive fluid intake is rare but can occur in patients with psychosis, in athletes, and in people who consume large amounts of beer (beer potomania).

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kara Rogers.