Childhood Obesity
Related to Soft Drinks Consumption
May 12, 2005
Obesity amongst children has come
up as a serious concern lately. With factors varying
from genetics, decreasing physical activity, longer
hours of television watching, junk food, and excessive
consumption of sugar sweetened drinks, this issue has
been getting severe. According to researchers, the currently
available articles, releases, studies have shown a correlation
between the soft drink consumption and the risk of childhood
obesity.
The typical teen consumes approximately two-12 ounce
cans of soft drinks per day, containing 300 calories
and 20 teaspoons of sugar whereas the guidelines recommend
a limit of 300 calories and 20 teaspoons of sugar. Children
can compensate for the added calories from occasional
soft drinks by choosing more nutritious, lower calorie
drink options throughout the rest of the day and increasing
their amount of physical activity.
Schools should concentrate on providing more nutritious
lower calorie beverage choices in their vending machines
such as milk, water, and 100% fruit and vegetable juices.
Although no single factor can be designated as the scapegoat
for childhood obesity, decreasing soft drink consumption,
especially in schools, can help reduce the risk.
Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com
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