Oral

The popularity of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has increased dramatically in the U.S. in recent decades, to the point that SSBs are the biggest source of added sugars in the U.S. diet today. These trends are a concern to both policy makers and public health professionals due to the effect of SSB consumption on obesity, metabolic syndrome, type II diabetes, and other adverse health outcomes. This session will present a diverse mix of economic and environmental policy initiatives that are designed to reduce SSB consumption in schools and communities throughout the U.S. As SSBs are a complex industry, covering a wide range of beverages, our session will begin with a presentation of an advanced, comprehensive surveillance measure designed to improve the accuracy of SSB consumption. We will follow with a nationwide study that evaluated the impact of existing policies that ban SSBs in secondary schools. Finally, the session will conclude with two presentations of policies that are being promoted in different sectors – 1) an innovative, collaborative program in central California designed to reduce SSB availability in schools, worksites, and other community settings, and 2) SSB taxes, which have been aggressively pursued in the face of intense resistance in many communities throughout the U.S. Presentations will include discussions of past successes and failures, as well as strategies for the future.

Session Objectives: 1. Discuss the various types of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and the importance of comprehensive SSB measures; 2. Describe policy interventions that are being promoted as a means to reduce SSB consumption and predictors of policy implementation; and 3. Evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)