Information Regarding Obesity And Soft Drinks

The causes of obesity are complex, however, scientific consensus indicates that obesity is caused by consuming more calories than the body uses. Poor diet and physical inactivity, resulting in energy imbalance (more calories consumed than expended), are the most important factors contributing to the increase in overweight and obesity in this country.

The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science in its 2004 report on childhood obesity explained that "although the 'energy intake = energy expenditure' looks like a fairly basic equation, in reality it is extraordinarily complex when considering the multitude of genetic, biological, psychological, sociocultural, and environmental factors that affect both sides of the equation and the interrelationships between these factors." In other words, many things can contribute to the problem of obesity including the quality and quantity of foods and beverages we consume, the amount we exercise, our ethnic background, and our family genetic history.

While family history plays into risk for chronic diseases, including obesity, the lifestyle choices you make everyday --including what you eat and drink and whether or not you are physically active -- affect your health.

Most regular soft drinks in the U.S. are sweetened with high fructose corn syrup, a type of sugar, and do contain calories. The calories from sugared soft drinks, similar to calories from any other food or beverage, can contribute to weight gain if an individual consumes more calories from all foods and beverages than he or she uses.

Studies that have examined whether people whose diets contain higher amounts of sugar are more likely to become obese have produced conflicting results. Many studies found that people who consume higher amounts of sugar are no more likely, and perhaps less likely, to be obese than other individuals. The Institute of Medicine stated in its 2002 Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein and Amino Acids that "there is no clear and consistent association between increased intake of added sugars and BMI [Body Mass Index]."

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, a joint committee of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, stated that:

Compared with individuals who consume small amounts of foods and beverages that are high in added sugars, those who consume large amounts tend to consume more calories but smaller amounts of micronutrients. Although more research is needed, available prospective studies suggest a positive association between the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and weight gain. A reduced intake of added sugars (especially sugar-sweetened beverages) may be helpful in achieving recommended intakes of nutrients and in weight control.

The Dietary Guidelines committee also pointed out that sugar itself is not detrimental to health, but it does contain calories:

The issue with added sugars is not that sugars themselves are detrimental to health. Rather, as sugars are added to the diet they provide calories only. Thus, at some amount of additional added sugars, either one compensates by decreasing intake of more nutrient-dense foods, and/or one adds sugars on top of an existing diet and increases caloric intake. Increased calorie intake, in turn, may result in weight gain.

The bottom line is that people should consume a variety of foods and beverages, manage calories to maintain body weight, and be physically active everyday. If you have particular questions about body weight or nutrition, you should ask your healthcare provider or registered dietitian. For more information on these topics, you can also visit the following websites: