Health Consequences of Soda Consumption

Saturday, September 30, 2006

Nancy L. Brown, PhD

One of the likely culprits in unintentional weight gain may be soda consumption according to a recent study. A 12-ounce soda has 150 calories and about 10 teaspoons of sugar, mostly as high-fructose corn syrup and drinking only one soda a day can lead to a weight gain of 15 pounds in one year, in addition to higher cholesterol.

While providing little nutrition, soda has increased the risk of diabetes, fractures and cavities according to a review article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The authors from the Harvard School of Public Health recommend removing soda and other vending machines from schools, reducing soda consumption, and limiting the marketing of soft drinks. Alternatives parents can offer are water and low-fat milk.

Teens can make healthier decisions about how they eat as well. For more information, visit We're Talking Teen Health at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation or Healthline.

Tags: Healthline, teen health, obesity, healthy eating, soda, diet

Photo credit: fimoculous

Labels: Obesity

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