Sugary beverages linked to obesity in children and adults
A new study published by the New England Journal of Medicine shows a frightening correlation between sugary drinks and weight. It is known and proven by scientific evidence that a high calorie diet can lead to obesity. Now the link from sugary drinks to weight gain is stronger than before.
According to StarTribune, the Journal of Medicine found that a majority of Americans already consume more than the daily intake of calories necessary. Adding the unnecessary amount of sugar added into beverages and unhealthy food the average American consumes, the obesity epidemic becomes “particularly frightening.”
The problem seems to stem from the variety of soft drinks easily available from multiple vendors, from dining commons to movie theaters. The results are, as the Journal of Medicine states, “… [Sugary drinks] approaches 15% of the daily caloric intake in several population groups. Adolescent boys in the United States consume an average of 357 kcal of the beverages per day … leading to higher risk for obesity and the development of type 2 diabetes.”
Although the obesity epidemic has accelerated recently, awareness seems to be the key in preventing further growth. DeseretNews quotes Yale University endocrinologist Sonia Caprio as saying, ”Calories from sugar-sweetened beverages do matter… the time has come to take action.” As more people become aware of such an increasing epidemic, more bans on soft drinks and their sugar content will be enacted.
