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Loading...Obesity Risk Reduced With Water Fountains in Schools
- Veronica, selected from Green Options
- April 18, 2009
- 8:45 am
- 29 comments
By Derek Markham, Eco Child’s Play
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.
Green Options Media is a network of environmentally-focused blogs providing users with the information needed to make sustainable choices. Written by experienced professionals, Green Options Media’s blogs engage visitors with authoritative content, compelling discussions, and actionable advice. We invite anyone with questions, or simply curiosity, to add their voices to the community, and share their approaches to achieving abundance.
Read more: Children, Healthy Schools, News & Issues
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may
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29 comments
+ add your ownGood :)
Interesting, we always had plenty of water fountains in school when I was younger, nothing like cold sparkling water.
Alternative to soda.
thanks
Interesting, thank you.
Interesting, thank you.
Interesting, thank you.
Interesting, thank you.
Interesting, thank you.
Interesting, thank you.
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