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The Soft Drink and Childhood Obesity – Trends and Health Concerns of School Children

Childhood Obesity is a large concern nationally, but what are the statistics and advocacy?

Over the past 50 years, the consumption of soft drinks has increased 500%, according to the USDA. Adding to that, half the American population will consume a soft drink, on a daily basis. As an exceeding quantity of soda is being consumed in America, there is a larger concern for the rise of childhood obesity, as well.

Children, in particular, are choosing diet habits full of sugar-laden beverages. And this is becoming more of a concern, as younger aged kids are also getting into the bad habit. On average, 56% of 8-year-olds will drink a soda, on a daily basis. As well, one-third of teenager boys drink 3 cans of soda, or more, a day. That is not all, because statistics show that teenagers get 10% of their calories, per day, from 15 teaspoons of sugar; attributed to sugar in soft drinks, which they consume.

Why Now: Attention to Facts

A reason for the growing concern of childhood obesity, is the overarching cause of it: increased serving size. Before our common 12-ounce can, the serving was only near half that, 6.5-ounces. Even more importantly, the container size keeps increasing, now to the 20-ounce size, or larger. There is a concern that children, and teenagers are switching from other drinks, such as milk, to sugary soft drinks and that switch might have a health impact, since milk contains calcium and vitamins. Simply put, they are choosing soft drinks over any other healthier alternative.

Diet Sodas: Zero-Sugar, Zero-Calories, A Better Solution?

In a study entitled Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Obesity by the Surgeon General, it notes that there are now double the amount of overweight children, and almost triple that for adolescents, compared from 1980. As well, it looks as though one of the largest affected age-categories, is the 10-year-old one. Other studies have showed that the increase in consumption of unhealthy food, or beverages is affected by cultural or family environments.  That is why soft drink companies have responded. With new introductions of diet soda, with promised nutritional benefit. Some are including not only zero-calorie, zero-sugar alternatives, but vitamins as well.

How Schools Have Responded

• Vending machines are turned off during regular school hours. While still collecting revenue during times when they are most needed, such as sports events, some students might be pressured into impulse buying unhealthy sodas while at lunch, or with friends.
• Make a good balance between regular snack and soda offerings, but include healthy snacks and beverages as well. A variety will make the choice up to the students, and many might want juice, or a diet soda over anything else.
• Start campaigns to encourage healthy eating habits. With the recent campaign started by First Lady Michelle Obama, and others, some schools will respond by backing their support, and advertising healthier options for their agenda.
• Exceed regular expectations, because new products are great sellers at schools. Instead of the regular choice of a snack or beverage, try some new healthy snacks or beverages out. Chances are the students will make mad for new and interesting snacks or beverages.

Soft Drink Consumption: Too Much?

As the storm keeps brewing around this topic, a most poignant reminder is that arguments are built from advocating. It is indeed true that we face diet concerns, especially with children.

Essentially, working to educated and advocate healthy products, will keep the focus on the right subject. As companies respond to the growing concern, and drive-up their healthy efforts, everyone else should to.

Citation: Soft Drinks and School-Age Children: Trends, Effects, Solutions (PDF). North Carolina School Nutrition Action Committee (SNAC). Link to PDF.