Doctors aren't sure why younger people are at increased risk, but a combination of diets high in ultraprocessed foods, overuse of antibiotics and hotter summers may be to blame.
My guess is people basically don't drink enough water. I had a girlfriend who every week or so, would say "wow, I have a headache..." so I'd ask, when was the last time you drank some water? Oh good idea, she'd say, I'll drink some water. Then "Wow, I feel so much better!". But then a week later, "wow, I have a headache..."
My current gf rarely drinks anything besides Diet Pepsi or wine. I have no idea how she survives.
Also had a roommate with 8/12 year old kids who would not drink water under any circumstances. I grew up drinking water from the tap and thinking that was fine... I'm not sure if it's just a perception that tap water is worse now or if it's true, but people can always get a tap filter or a filtered pitcher. It just seems people are conditioned to drink things from cans and bottles which typically are not that hydrating.
People think tap is gross. I have a well that I test every year and make sure my water is pristine. I only drink out of the tap as does my family, but I still have to have bottled water for guests who completely turn their nose up at it no matter what I say.
In some places the tap water is decidedly less pleasant than others. What gets me is the people that think the tap water is gross about places with wonderful tap water.
Experts aren’t sure why more children and teens are developing the condition, but they speculate that a combination of factors are to blame, including diets high in ultraprocessed foods, increased use of antibiotics early in life and climate change causing more cases of dehydration.
I have a 3 year old who just started preschool and it's so hard for him to stay hydrated without someone offering him water. Hopefully he'll catch on soon that he can grab his own cup and drink from it any time he's thirsty.