Does Soda Promote Weight Gain?

As childhood obesity continues to increase, researchers are looking at a link between what kids drink and their expanding waistlines.   While experts stop short of laying the blame completely at the feet of soda makers, most acknowledge that people in general, and kids specifically, consume too many soft drinks.

In an effort to curb the problem, some school districts are removing soda machines from school campuses -; and, some say, for good reason. One 12-ounce can of soda has 150 calories; a 20-ounce can has 250 calories.

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, “Carbonated soft drinks are the single biggest source of calories in the American diet, providing about 7 percent of calories.” Non-carbonated drinks (such as fruit juice and iced teas) push that figure to 9 percent.

One study of 548 sixth and seventh-graders in Boston showed that each 12-ounce can of soda consumed increased their risk for becoming overweight by 60 percent, according to an article in the Journal of Pediatrics.

Besides having a high-sugar content – which can contribute to weight gain and promote tooth decay – there is little nutritional value in a can of soda, just empty calories.

So what’s a parent to do?

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains should be the first line of defense. But because what they drink matters just as much as what they eat, one option may be to consider replacing soda with a health beverage which contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, calcium; low amounts of sugar; and no caffeine.   Or how about kids and adults alike getting hooked on water with no calories and tons of health benefits.

Is there anything you need to modify in your drinking habits?

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HealthStatus has been operating since 1998 providing the best interactive health tools on the Internet, millions of visitors have used our blood alcohol, body fat and calories burned calculators. The HealthStatus editorial team has continued that commitment to excellence by providing our visitors with easy to understand high quality health content for many years. Our team of health professionals, and researchers use peer reviewed studies as source elements in our articles. Our high quality content has been featured in a number of leading websites, USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, Live Strong, GQ, and many more.

Edward PAnkow
2. March 2010
Edward PAnkow
2. March 2010
It is not the Soda that makes children obese or McDonalds or Burger King, or Kit Kat, Milky Way or anything else like those items. It is fully the fault of the uninvolved "I want to be their friend" parents. Fast food once a month or 8oz of high fructose corn syrup sweetened soda once or twice a week will cause no harm. Parents need to be "parents" and talk with their children about the dangers of overconsumption with anything. Parents need to get outside with their children and play/exercise with them. They also need to follow up with their children on good oral hygiene habits. Many of you likely do not know that even water can be overconsumed and become toxic. You can die from drinking too much water at one time.

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Written by HealthStatus Team
Medical Writer & Editor

HealthStatus has been operating since 1998 providing the best interactive health tools on the Internet, millions of visitors have used our blood alcohol, body fat and calories burned calculators. The HealthStatus editorial team has continued that commitment to excellence by providing our visitors with easy to understand high quality health content for many years. Our team of health professionals, and researchers use peer reviewed studies as source elements in our articles. Our high quality content has been featured in a number of leading websites, USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, Live Strong, GQ, and many more.

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