Several specific population interventions that achieved a Class I or IIa recommendation with grade A or B evidence were identified , providing a set of specific evidence -based strategies that deserve close attention and prioritization for wider implementation .
Effective interventions included specific approaches in all 6 domains evaluated for improving diet , increasing activity , and reducing tobacco use .
The writing group also identified several specific interventions in each of these domains for which current evidence was less robust , as well as other inconsistencies and evidence gaps , informing the need for further rigorous and interdisciplinary approaches to evaluate population programs and policies .
This systematic review identified and grade d the evidence for a range of population -based strategies to promote lifestyle change .
BACKGROUND Poor lifestyle behaviors , including suboptimal diet , physical inactivity , and tobacco use , are leading causes of preventable diseases globally .
Although even modest population shifts in risk substantially alter health outcomes , the optimal population -level approaches to improve lifestyle are not well established .
Increasing the Availability and Consumption of Drinking Water in Middle Schools: A Pilot Study
Introduction Although several studies suggest that drinking water may help prevent obesity , no US studies have examined the effect of school drinking water provision and promotion on student beverage intake . We assessed the acceptability , feasibility , and outcomes of a school-based intervention to improve drinking water consumption among adolescents . Methods The 5-week program , conducted in a Los Angeles middle school in 2008 , consisted of providing cold , filtered drinking water in cafeterias ; distributing reusable water bottles to students and staff ; conducting school promotional activities ; and providing education .  Self-reported consumption of water , nondiet soda , sports drinks , and 100 % fruit juice was assessed by conducting surveys among students ( n = 876 ) , preintervention and at 1 week and 2 months postintervention , from the intervention school and the comparison school . Daily water ( in gallons ) distributed in the cafeteria during the intervention was recorded . Results After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and baseline intake of water at school , the odds of drinking water at school were higher for students at the intervention school than students at the comparison school . Students from the intervention school had higher adjusted odds of drinking water from fountains and from reusable water bottles at school than students from the comparison school . Intervention effects for other beverages were not significant . Conclusion Provision of filtered , chilled drinking water in school cafeterias coupled with promotion and education is associated with increased consumption of drinking water at school . A r and omized controlled trial is necessary to assess the intervention 's influence on students '  consumption of water and sugar-sweetened beverages , as well as obesity-related outcomes
Several specific population interventions that achieved a Class I or IIa recommendation with grade A or B evidence were identified , providing a set of specific evidence -based strategies that deserve close attention and prioritization for wider implementation .
Effective interventions included specific approaches in all 6 domains evaluated for improving diet , increasing activity , and reducing tobacco use .
The writing group also identified several specific interventions in each of these domains for which current evidence was less robust , as well as other inconsistencies and evidence gaps , informing the need for further rigorous and interdisciplinary approaches to evaluate population programs and policies .
This systematic review identified and grade d the evidence for a range of population -based strategies to promote lifestyle change .
BACKGROUND Poor lifestyle behaviors , including suboptimal diet , physical inactivity , and tobacco use , are leading causes of preventable diseases globally .
Although even modest population shifts in risk substantially alter health outcomes , the optimal population -level approaches to improve lifestyle are not well established .