What negative effects can occur when dehydration leads to water being pulled from muscles?

When dehydration occurs, it can lead to a loss of water from the muscles, resulting in a decrease in lean muscle weight. Muscles are composed largely of water; when dehydrated, they lose volume, which can give the appearance of reduced muscle mass. Dehydration can negatively impact muscle function, making muscles feel weaker and less capable of performing optimally.

Additionally, when hydration levels are low, the body becomes more reliant on fat metabolism for energy. However, this does not imply that muscle health is improved; rather, it can often lead to an increase in fat weight relative to lean muscle mass over time if dehydration is chronic or if the body is not adequately nourished.

In contrast, improved hydration and stamina or increased endurance and performance are associated with proper fluid levels, which help sustain athletic performance and are beneficial for muscle function. Therefore, loss of lean body mass due to dehydration, along with an imbalance in body composition, underscores the accuracy of the selected option.