Obesity Risk Reduced With Water Fountains in Schools

The one year study, published in Pediatrics, weighed 2nd and 3rd graders in socially deprived areas and interviewed them about their water consumption. In schools in the intervention group, water fountains were added and four lessons were presented to the kids about the health benefits of water consumption. Water flow from the fountains was also measured.

Before the study period, there was no statistical difference between the two groups in the prevalence of overweight kids. At the end of the year, after adjusting for the baseline prevalence of being overweight, the authors found a 31% decrease in the risk of obesity in the intervention group.

After the study, researchers found that water consumption in the intervention group had increased by over 7 ounces per child per school day, and the fountains were in steady use throughout the year. No mention was made about food consumption during the period, although no effect was found on soft drink and juice consumption in the intervention group.

While not a magic bullet for keeping kids in a healthy weight range, the study was a positive example of how small changes in daily routine can have a lasting impact on children’s health.

http://ecochildsplay.com/2009/04/04/obesity-risk-reduced-with-water-fountains-in-schools/

Any little bit helps!

i'm sure some do but i don't think the younger ones usually have water with them. keeping a water bottle (reusable type) with them in class that they can drink anytime they want.

Damn.

Isn't it missing electrolytes?

The idea is a basic diet staple. If you drink water, you are less likely to eat as much because you feel more full. Then there are the health advantages of just drinking water as opposed to unhealthy drinks. This is not meant to replace all liquid consumption.

A reference to the movie "idiocracy". A good watch by the way.

It's early and I'm not usually as humor impaired. I will have to watch the movie.

It adresses issues such as replacing soft drinks with water.

sugar!

water and academic achievement, water and emotional stability in the classroom, water and physical endurance (like staying awake in class), water and ability to concentrate.