A Simple Dietary Intervention in the School Setting Decreased Incidence of Overweight in Children

OBJECTIVE: The study analyzed the effect of a combined environmental and educational intervention solely promoting water consumption on the incidence of overweight among school children. METHODS: 2,950 second and third graders of 32 elementary schools in socially deprived neighborhoods of two German cities participated in a randomized controlled intervention trial (August 2006-June 2007). In intervention schools (N = 17), water fountains were installed, each child received a water bottle, and teachers performed classroom lessons to promote water consumption. Control schools (N = 15) did not receive any intervention. Body heights and weights were measured at baseline and follow-up to assess the incidence and remission of overweight and obesity during follow-up. The water flow of the fountains was measured regularly during follow-up. Children's beverage consumption was self-reported in 24-hour recall questionnaires before and after intervention. RESULTS: After the intervention, the incidence of overweight was significantly lower in the intervention group (3.8%) than in the control group (6.0%, p = 0.018). Remission of overweight and obesity did not differ between the groups. Measured water flow of the fountains indicated a sustained use. CONCLUSION: A simple dietary intervention with the sole focus on the promotion of drinking water effectively reduced the incidence of overweight among school children.