Increasing Caloric Contribution From Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and 100% Fruit Juices Among US Children and Adolescents, 1988–2004

Abstract

Children and adolescents today derive 10% to 15% of total calories from sugar-sweetened beverages and 100% fruit juice. Our analysis indicates increasing consumption in all ages. Schools are a limited source for sugar-sweetened beverages, suggesting that initiatives to restrict sugar-sweetened beverage sales in schools may have an only marginal impact on overall consumption. Pediatricians' awareness of these trends is critical for helping children and parents target suboptimal dietary patterns that may contribute to excess calories and obesity.

Relative contribution of energy intake and energy expenditure to childhood obesity: a review of the literature and directions for future research

“…[33][34][35] In the past 20 years, US children and adolescents are increasingly consuming more SSB (primarily at home followed by at school and at restaurants/fast food outlets). 36 Per-capita daily caloric contribution from SSBs increased from 204 kcal per day in 1988-1994 to 224 kcal per day in 1999-2004. Children and adolescents derive 10-15% of total calories from SSBs and 100% fruit juice.…”

“…Children and adolescents derive 10-15% of total calories from SSBs and 100% fruit juice. Of note, the increasing calorie contribution from beverages, primarily driven by SSBs, has been partially offset by a decline in milk drinkers among children 37 and adults. 38 Energy imbalance and childhood obesity SN Bleich et al PAL among US children and adolescents Evidence from the 2005 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, a national school-based survey of 9-12th graders, indicates that less than half of boys (43.8%) and less than a third of girls (27.8%) were physically active for a total of 60 min or more per day (on 5 or more of the past 7 days).…”

A Trial of Sugar-free or Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Body Weight in Children

“…50 We speculate that decreased consumption of such beverages might reduce the high prevalence of overweight in these children.…”

Advanced policy options to regulate sugar-sweetened beverages to support public health

“…32 Added sugar consumption has doubled for most of the population, 35 and almost tripled for teens, due largely to increased SSB intake. 11,12,32 Energy drinks contain more sugar and as much as three times the amount of caffeine as other SSBs of the same size, and they are also sold in larger, non-resealable containers. 36 A non-resealable soft drink is usually 12 ounces, while energy drinks come in 16 and 24 ounce cans, which contain more than 90 g of sugar and 240-500 mg of caffeine.…”