The 3 big soda makers are working together to fight obesity. Coca-Cola, Pepsi Co. and Dr. Pepper/Snapple have pledged to cut calorie consumption from sodas by 20% by 2025. They are planning on doing this by promoting bottled water and diet drinks, and by decreasing portion size.
Soda consumption peaked in the US in 1998 and has been steadily declining since then, with people becoming more aware of the risks. This agreement between the big soda companies is seen as a long awaited acknowledgment of the role that sugary beverages can play in obesity.
Currently 1 in 5 children and 1 in 3 adults meet the definition of obesity according to the Centers for Disease Control (the CDC). Americans consume an average of 20 tsp of sugar per day! This is 2 times the recommended amount per day, with 1/3rd of this in the form of sweetened beverages.
Hopefully continued efforts from the soda companies, plus efforts by health educators, will help with the downward trend of drinking sugary sodas. I always stress to families that water and milk should be the only things kids are drinking, but some support from big industry is certainly welcome!
If you would like to schedule an appointment with a Pediatrician to discuss your child’s nutrition, give us a call at (303) 803-1005.
About Debra Berry
