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Weight Control

Sugar Sweetened Drinks and Obesity

 

 The prevalence of obesity in children has doubled in the last 15 years. Estimates of overweight in children are as high as 24% and obesity at 11%. Research into the causes of childhood obesity include  various social and environmental factors centering around dietary choices, hours of TV watched per day, and lack of physical activity. A new report from Harvard now adds sugar sweetened drinks to the list of causes1.

Researchers studied 548 school children for two school years, looking at various factors linked to the development of obesity. They found a strong link between intake of sugar sweetened drinks and development of obesity. For every additional can or glass of sugar sweetened drink consumed the risk for obesity increased by 60% even after adjusting for other dietary habits and level of physical activity.

In the last 50 years, the intake of soft drinks has increased by over 500% and appears to be a major cause of obesity in children (and adults as well). The body doesn't seem to compensate for the added calories when the calories come from a drink. Calories are added so easily and quickly, the body just doesn't seem to monitor them properly. Children who drink sugar sweetened drinks daily consumed about 200 extra calories daily compared to children who didn't drink sugar sweetened drinks. Included in the study were soda pop (primarily source of sugar drinks), fruit punch, Koolaid, lemonade, and sweetened iced tea, but not 100% fruit juices.

To help prevent obesity, eliminate as much as possible all sugar added drinks. Give apples, oranges, melons, and berries in place of sugary drinks or encourage them to drink water. When you eat an apple, full of fiber and water, it takes longer and the body registers it as food and calories consumed. It certainly much more nutritious as well. Other factors recommended by Boston's Children Hospital to help prevent obesity in children include2:

  • Setting aside time for healthy meals and physical activity
  • Limit television viewing (and computer games)
  • Promote mandatory physical education at your school
  • Establish stricter standards for your school lunch program
  • Eliminate soft drinks and other unhealthy snacks from vending machines on school grounds (add fresh fruit ones)
  • Promote bike paths, parks, and playgrounds in your community
  • Promote control of food and drink advertising aimed at children

 

 

Reference

1. Ludwig DS et al, Relation between consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and childhood obesity, The Lancet  Feb 17, 2001; 367:505-08
2. Ebbeling CB et al, Childhood Obesity: public-health crisis, common sense cure, The Lancet Aug 10, 2002, 360:473-82


Making Healthy Choices articles are written by Don Hall, DrPH, CHES president of LifeLong Health with contributions from associated health professionals. Content is general health information from evidence based research. It's purpose is not to treat disease or take the place of advice by your doctor but to promote healthy lifestyles. Persons with health problems should contact their physician for specific guidance.

Copyrighted 2002 by PrevMedix LLC. All rights reserved. Do not make unauthorized copies.

Updated: 12/17/02