Over the past three decades, obesity has become an epidemic in many countries around the world. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 billion of the world's adult population are overweight. In the United States, 129.6 million people ages 20-74 are considered overweight.[1] Of the 129.6 million, 30% are considered obese. The obesity rate is forecasted to rise to 42% by 2030.[2] Every year, the United States spends an estimated $190 billion on obesity related conditions, or 21% of all United States health care costs.[3]
Obesity prevalence is due to genetic, metabolic, cultural, environmental, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors.[1] Along with the increase in overweight and obese populations, the consumption of carbohydrates, particularly in the form of added sugars has increased. [1]
Research studies have indicated that there is a correlation between drinking sugar-sweetened beverages and gaining weight or becoming obese. Sugar-sweetened beverages do not provide the feeling of fullness like solid foods do, which may cause one to consume more of the beverage.[4] According the the Center for Disease Control, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey found that 30.1% of American adults consume at least one sugar-sweetened beverage daily.[5] Around the United States, sugar-sweetened beverage intake differs based on geographic regions and sociodemographic characteristics. States known for their obesity rates also had high consumption rates of sugar-sweetened beverages. For example, 47.1% of Mississippi adults consume at least one sugar-sweetened beverage a day.[5] Their obesity rate correlates, with 35.6% of the adult population being obese in 2016.[6]
The World Health Organization has advised reducing intake of free sugars, such as monosaccharides and disaccharides that are added to beverages by manufacturers, cooks, or consumers.[7] Studies have supported WHO's guidance as well. A 2006 clinical trial found that when over weight or obese adults replaced caloric beverages with water or noncaloric beverages for 6 months, they averaged weight losses of 2-2.5%.[8] In addition, The Obesity Society recommends minimizing children's intake of sugar-sweetened beverages.[9]
Efforts to reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and obesity include both monetary penalties and limiting exposure to sugar-sweetened beverages. For example, numerous states, including Vermont have proposed taxing sugar-sweetened beverages or increasing the prices to reduce consumption.[10] Economists estimate that increaing sugar sweetened beverage prices by 10% would reduce sugar sweetened beverage consumption by 12%.[11] Other solutions target children, focusing on prohibiting sugar-sweetened beverages on school/after care property, including vending machines and lunches.[10] Limits are also being considered on sugar-sweetened beverages in the workplace.[10] Furthermore, beverage companies are being approached about reducing portion sizing of sugar-sweetened beverages because portion sizes have increased substantially over the past few decades.[10]
- ^ a b c "Intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and weight gain: a systematic review". American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
- ^ "Obesity and severe obesity forecasts through 2030". American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
- ^ "The medical care costs of obesity: an instrumental variables approach". J Health Econ.
- ^ "Reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages to reduce the risk of childhood overweight and obesity".
- ^ a b "Prevalence of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake Among Adults — 23 States and the District of Columbia, 2013".
- ^ "Mississippi State Obesity Data, Rates and Trends".
- ^ "Reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages to reduce the risk of childhood overweight and obesity".
- ^ "Replacing caloric beverages with water or diet beverages for weight loss in adults: main results of the Choose Healthy Options Consciously Everyday (CHOICE) randomized clinical trial". American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
- ^ "Reduced Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Can Reduce Total Caloric Intake".
- ^ a b c d "Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Playbook" (PDF).
- ^ "Assessing the Potential Effectiveness of Food and Beverage Taxes and Subsidies for Improving Public Health: A Systematic Review of Prices, Demand and Body Weight Outcomes". Obesity Reviews.