A new study that was released by the American Obesity Society confirms that sugar-sweetened beverages contribute to US Obesity epidemic, particularly in children. And the Obesity society recommends that parents reduce their children's exposure to sugar-sweetened beverages.
"In response to the ongoing policy discussions on the role of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) on weight and health, The Obesity Society (TOS) concludes that SSBs contribute to the United States’ obesity epidemic, particularly among children. Based on an in-depth analysis of the current research, the TOS position statement unveiled today provides several recommendations for improving health, including that children minimize their consumption of SSBs," reads the release by the Obesity Society.
Parents should look for healthier alternatives to sugar-sweetened beverages, responds EmaxHealth in an op-ed this morning. The alternatives proposed by EmaxHealth include such traditional safer beverages like:
1. Water
2. 100% Fruit Juice
3. Non-fat or low-fat milk
While SSBs aren’t the only cause of obesity in the United States, they do comprise 6 to 7 percent of Americans’ overall calorie intake.
According to Whole Woman Health, some cities, states, and countries have proposed or already imposed a “soda tax” to curb obesity. In October 2013, Mexico passed legislation that created an 8 percent tax on junk food containing more than 275 calories per 100 grams, and a peso-per-liter tax — about 10 percent — on SSBs. Other places that have implemented or proposed soda taxes include Denmark, Norway, New York, and San Francisco.