International Bottled Water Association | MEDIA RELEASE | December 19, 2013
New CDC Report Highlights Continuing Obesity Concerns
Alexandria, VA – the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) today issued the following statement regarding a recently released report on obesity from the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
A recent U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, Obesity — United States, 1999–2010, finds that, while increases in obesity prevalence have slowed or even stopped in recent years for some groups, it is still a pressing concern for the U.S. population as whole, and in particular for households without regular access to effective nutritional and wellness education and healthier food options.
The November 22, 2013, report goes on to indicate that one contributing factor to the condition’s persistence is, “obesity-promoting environments that limit opportunities for physical activity, encourage excess television viewing and passive screen time, and provide easy access to high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and beverages, including those high in added sugars and solid fats.”
The report also states that, “certain early child care education initiatives promote active play and healthier beverage and food offerings such as drinking water and fruits and vegetables. These initiatives can address disparities by providing age-appropriate health curricula, parental outreach, increased healthier foods and beverages served, and training and technical support for staff on menu planning and food preparation for children of low socioeconomic status and children who hold immigrant and/or refugee status, among other high-priority groups.” [Emphasis added]
The CDC’s findings note that one important way to help reduce rates of obesity includes making healthy choices, such as healthy eating and active living opportunities, easily accessible and available to everyone. Drinking water, whether bottled or tap, continues to be one of the easiest choices people can make to have an immediate impact on caloric intake. One of the simplest changes a person can make is to switch to drinking water instead of other beverages that are heavy with sugar and calories. For those who want to eliminate or moderate calories, sugar, caffeine, artificial flavors or colors, and other ingredients from their diet, choosing water is the right choice – whether from the tap or in a bottle.
Bottled water is always a smart decision and a healthy choice when it comes to beverage options. Indeed, research consistently shows that making proactive and healthy lifestyle choices from an early age can help encourage individuals to lead more active and healthful lives.
In addition, the CDC observes that since 1960, the prevalence of adult obesity in the United States has nearly tripled, from 13 percent in 1960-1962 to 36 percent during 2009-2010. The CDC also finds that since 1970, the prevalence of obesity has more than tripled among children.
These findings also support similar research released in 2012 by the Institute of Medicine and the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, showing that one-third of American adults are overweight and another one-third is obese.
Drinking zero-calorie beverages, such as water, instead of sugary drinks is regularly cited as a key component of a more healthful lifestyle. Promoting greater consumption of water from all sources, including bottled water, will support the efforts of communities striving for a healthier lifestyle.
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Media Contact:
Chris Hogan
chogan@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.
