Flowing Forward
Tackling the Hydration Gap to Help Transform Health Outcomes
A bold call to put healthy hydration at the heart of the UK’s public health strategy
A bold call to put healthy hydration at the heart of the UK’s public health strategy
The UK is facing a growing health crisis. The NHS is under pressure from waiting lists, funding limits, and staff shortages, and the obesity alone is costing the NHS £11.4 billion annually.
Yet despite this, one of the simplest, most affordable, and most effective tools to help maintain good health is often overlooked: hydration.
Our new manifesto, Flowing Forward: Tackling the Hydration Gap to Help Transform Health Outcomes, sets out a clear and compelling case for change. It’s time for healthy hydration to be recognised as essential to a healthier, more sustainable future.
Why hydration matters
Around 60% of our body weight and 70–80% of our brains are water
Water performs crucial roles within our body so maintaining good hydration is vital.
Water is the healthiest way to hydrate
Choosing water can help reduce sugar intake and can help prevent obesity, supporting healthier lifestyles.
Drinks can be a major contributor to our sugar intake...
They account for
of adults’ daily sugar consumption, and up to
for teenagers.
... but it’s not currently recognised
Water has been mentioned just
times in government and NHS healthy living guidance since 2010, compared to over
mentions of food.
Our three key policy recommendations
Strengthen public health messaging on hydration
Water should be front and centre in NHS and government advice as the healthiest drink as it is a sugar-free, and calorie-free drink.
Introduce positive incentives to encourage healthier drink choices
The government should work with retailers and producers to promote natural source waters as the healthiest choice.
Champion a nationwide campaign for healthy living that includes information on what to drink
A bold, cross-sector campaign is needed to promote good hydration habits as part of everyday healthy living, alongside diet and exercise.
Get involved
We are calling on stakeholders across the public, private and voluntary sectors to help close the UK’s hydration gap. Whether you're a policymaker, health professional, charity or community leader, you have a role to play.
- Read our manifesto
- Urge your MPs to support our manifesto
- Share the message: Use our hashtags #HealthyHydration and #ChooseWater and share why hydration matters
- Incorporate hydration into your work: From campaigns to policy briefs, hydration deserves a place
- Partner with us: We welcome collaboration opportunities to drive this agenda forward