IBWA Statement on New Research That Shows Choosing Water Helps Reduce Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

International Bottled Water Association | NEWS RELEASE | September 22, 2011

IBWA Statement on New Research That Shows Choosing Water Helps Reduce Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Alexandria, VA – The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) today issued the following statement in response to findings related to healthful hydration, released September 15, 2011, at the Sustaining the Blue Planet: Global Water Education Conference.

“The findings, presented during the conference’s Healthy Hydration Symposium, show that proper hydration, such as choosing water, can reduce weight gain and contribute to risk reduction of type 2 diabetes. This research reinforces the important role of drinking water, including bottled water, as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Making the smart choice to hydrate with water can help everyone reap lifelong health rewards. John Etgen, symposium co-chair and senior vice-president of the Project WET Foundation (Water Education for Teachers), stated, ‘We believe that educating children on hydration plays a significant role in obesity prevention initiatives worldwide.’

These positive messages reinforce the recently launched United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Choose My Plate program to encourage healthy eating, which recommends drinking water instead of sugary drinks. In addition, First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign also urges children to opt for water when they are thirsty.

Drinking water, including bottled water, instead of sugared beverages can reduce your caloric intake; which can help maintain your weight as part of a healthy lifestyle. We encourage consumers to take notice of these important findings and make simple, smart choices in their daily life and choose water, whether at home, at the office or on the go.”

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NOTE: Photos/head shots available upon request

Media Contact:
Jill Culora
jculora@bottledwater.org
703.647.4609

The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is the authoritative source of information about all types of bottled waters, including spring, mineral, purified, artesian, and sparkling. Founded in 1958, IBWA’s membership includes U.S. and international bottlers, distributors and suppliers. IBWA is committed to working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates bottled water as a packaged food product, to set comprehensive and stringent standards for safe, high-quality bottled water products.  

In addition to FDA regulations, IBWA member bottlers must adhere to the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice, which mandates additional standards and practices that in some cases are more stringent than federal and state regulations. A key feature of the IBWA Bottled Water Code of Practice is a mandatory annual plant inspection by an independent, third-party organization.  

IBWA is proud to be a partner with Keep America Beautiful and a supporter of Drink Up, an initiative of former First Lady Michelle Obama and the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA), which encourages Americans to drink more water more often – whether from the tap, a filter, or in a bottle. Choosing water is always the healthy choice.