What occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it?

When the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, hypothermia occurs. This condition is characterized by a significant drop in body temperature, typically below the normal range of approximately 98.6°F (37°C). When exposed to cold environments, especially with wet conditions or wind, the body's ability to maintain its core temperature diminishes. Symptoms of hypothermia can include shivering, confusion, fatigue, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness.

The other options do not relate to the body's inability to retain heat. Dehydration involves the loss of fluids, which can occur in various conditions but is not linked to heat retention. Heatstroke, on the other hand, is a condition caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures leading to the body overheating. Frostbite specifically refers to the freezing of skin and underlying tissues due to extreme cold, but it is not the same as hypothermia, which affects overall body temperature regulation.