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A study conducted at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 2008, found that consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB’s) has increased radically in the last ten years. The average amount of “empty calories” being consumed from these beverages is 365 per day. 84% of teens were found to be consuming the average amount, mainly at home, but also at school and restaurants. Children aged 6 – 11, were consuming 20% more as well. The most popular beverage was soda, followed by fruit drinks and sports drinks, which are rapidly gaining in popularity. Researcher Y. Claire Wang, MD, ScD, warns that parents should not be fooled by the so-called health benefits on the labels of some of the drinks - they are just sugar water, Sciencedaily.com, 2008.
Prof. Walter Willett, chair of Dept Nutrition Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), says, “The scientific evidence is now clear, soda and other SSB’s are important contributors to obesity in children and adults.” HSPH wants the FDA to require manufacturers to put the entire caloric content of the whole bottle/can on the label, not just a serving. They also want the manufacturers to bring out a new line with only 1gram sugar/ounce drink, with no added non-caloric sweeteners – that is 70% less sugar, Science daily.com, 2009.
Until this line comes out, don’t think that your kids are safer drinking diet beverages with non-caloric sweeteners, either. A study at Purdue University showed a connection between consumption of saccharin by rats leading to greater weight gain and fat deposition than their counterparts eating sugar. They believe this could be caused by the false sweet taste confusing the digestive and metabolic responses of the body, Sciencedaily.com, 2008.
And high fructose corn syrup behaves, at best, just like sugar and could also be causing obesity, John Hopkins, Sciencedaily.com, 2009.
Researchers from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health have also proved what many would consider to be obvious – that the health of children will not be harmed if we replace the SSB’s with water. Sciencedaily.com, 2009. Well nowadays, you just never know!
Comments
As a registered dietitian, I certainly agree it's important for children to stay within their appropriate calorie level. But I think it's completely unfair to blame one item - beverages in this case - for "causing" obesity. Obesity is a complex issue with many mitigating factors. If everyone - parents and kids- would focus on eating the right amount of nutrient-rich foods first and enjoy sugary beverages in moderation, we'd all be healthier. It's important to point out that some studies showing negative health effects use excessive amounts in their studies - amounts humans would most likely not consume on a regular basis. Sugar, high fructose corn syrup and all caloric sweeteners are not dangerous - they simply provide great-tasting refreshment. Personal responsibilty, moderation and calorie control is critical. I've been enjoying diet soda for over 25 years and I'm at perfect weight. The beverage institute for health & wellness website contains credible info on all sweeteners/safety
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