Do Sugar-Sweetened Beverages cause Obesity?

In today’s society obesity has emerged as a major health problem worldwide and the implications of this epidemic are extensive. Research by Malik, Popkin, Bray, Després, and Hu (2010) indicate that being overweight or obese are important risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular disease, cancer, and premature death. In recent years, the link between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and obesity is becoming clearer.  In the past 30 years in the United States, the intake of SSBs, including soft drinks, fruit drinks, energy drinks, and vitamin water drinks, has increased 3-fold (Malik et al., 2010). The contribution of SSBs to weight gain is thought to be from their high added-sugar content, low satiety, and potential incomplete compensation for total energy.  All of these factors lead to increased energy intake. Furthermore, Malik et al. (2010) indicated that SSBs may increase T2DM and cardiovascular disease independently of obesity. This is because SSBs often contain high amounts of rapidly absorbable carbohydrates such as different forms of sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. Large quantities of these sugars contribute to a high dietary glycemic load, which leads to inflammation, insulin resistance, and impaired β-cell function.  Specifically, the research also found that fructose may also increase blood pressure and promote the accumulation of visceral adiposity, dyslipidemia, and ectopic fat deposition (Malik et al.,2010). 

Based on this information about SSBs, the pressing issue of childhood obesity has immense consequences for today’s youth. According to Malik et al. (2010), not only is there a positive correlation between SSB intake and weight gain in children and adolescents, but it has also been shown that increased SSB intake during childhood predicted weight gain into adulthood. The prevalence of SSBs consumption was observed at Monroe Intermediate School District Educational Center.  The Education Center provides special education programs to a variety of children with different cognitive and physical disabilities. Specifically, these students are supplied diet coke to take their medications instead of water.  Many students refuse to drink anything but soda or juice and it was shockingly rare to see any children consuming water. An article published in The New York Times on August 5, 2013 discussed a study linking SSB consumption and higher body mass index scores in 2- to 5-year-olds (Dell’antonia, 2013). Additionally, the article identified further issues including the association between higher body mass index and television watching and failing to drink milk.  

Sugar-sweetened beverages.
Retrieved from http://www.health.ri.gov/healthrisks/sugarsweetenedbeverages/

In order to combat the effects of SSBs and obesity in today’s society and especially in children and adolescents, it is important to advocate for alternatives to sugar.  Briefel, Wilson, Cabili, and Hedley Dodd(2013) stated that the daily energy intake of school-aged children has increased by more than 200 extra calories due to the sugar from sweetened beverages.  Also, Briefel et al. (2013) emphasized that even the empty calories from added sugars in flavored milks need to be monitored in overweight elementary and middle school students.  Reducing consumption of SSBs is pertinent to work towards the prevention of obesity.  In order to begin improving the quality of children’s beverage consumption, it is necessary to research about children’s home food environment and to teach effective behavioral approaches to guide healthy choices (Briefel et al., 2013). As healthcare professionals, teachers, or adults, how can we help children make healthy beverage choices?