researchers reported a 31 percent reduction in the obesity risk

A new study done in Germany shows that by the simple art act of installing a water fountain in a school and giving the children studying there refillable bottles, as well as educating them in the advantages and health benefits of drinking water, the number of overweight children was seen to drop by 31 percent.

The study looked at children in poor socio-economic regions and collected data regarding their water consumption. In some of the schools water fountains were installed and a number of classes were set aside to inform the children about the benefits of drinking water.  The researchers also made note of the amount of water that was consumed from the water fountains.

Previous to the research project which consisted of 2 separate groups there was no difference in the amount of overweight children however after the study had continued for a year the researchers reported a 31 percent reduction in the obesity risk for the group provided with the water fountains. The researchers also said that water consumption had increased significantly and they saw that the fountains were being used at all times throughout the year not just when it was hot weather.

The study is interesting because it shows that sometimes all that is required for some children is a little bit of encouragement and education to change their eating and drinking habits in order to have a very positive effect on their weight. Children who are given good nutritional advice tend to stick with it for the rest of their lives and in the same way those children who eat unhealthily find it difficult to change their eating habits as they grow older. 

The research which was published in the clinical journal Pediatrics will possibly initiate a drive for more water fountains to be placed in schools all over Germany and in Europe and also a campaign to educate children in the advantages of regular consumption of water.