Soft drink consumption and its link to obesity and other health effects

There has been a substantial increase in the consumption of soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages since the 1970's. During this same time frame, there have been corresponding increases in caloric intake and the prevalence of obesity. Research increasingly suggests that consumption of soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages may be an important contributor to the obesity epidemic. In addition to links with obesity, soft drink consumption has been associated with a number of other poor health outcomes. These include increased risk of coronary heart disease, hypertension, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Research also suggests that there are considerable disparities in soft drink consumption. Specifically, higher consumption rates are found among low-income populations and people of color. These sub-populations are the same groups that tend to be at increased for obesity and diabetes. This presentation will illustrate several of these health effects as well as disparities in soda consumption using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the California Health Interview Survey and other sources. The existing research suggests a number of potential benefits from reducing soft drink consumption including reduced risk of obesity, improved dietary intake and reduced risk of diabetes. These findings support policy efforts to limit or discourage consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.