White bread, previously reported as the leading source of calories in the average American diet, has been dethroned; according to a study’s preliminary findings, soft drinks and sweet drinks have successfully taken over.

Researchers studied the reported diets of a large nationwide sample of American adults. Among respondents of the 1999-2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES):

• More than two-thirds reported drinking enough soda or sweet drinks to supply them with a greater proportion of daily calories than any other food.

• Those who consumed sweet drinks had higher obesity rates.

Researchers are hopeful that by helping to identify the leading sources of excess energy in the American diet, the results may contribute to the development of strategies needed to fight obesity.

Additional Supporting Evidence

The above findings aren’t the only strikes against soda and sweet drinks. According to the American Dietetic Association, relying on a soft drink to satisfy thirst cravings could waste a good deal of your daily calorie allotment.

Consider this: Most adults need about 1,600-2,400 calories a day and the average, 64-ounce "Big Gulp" non-diet sweet drink sold at convenience stores can account for as much as 800 calories in just one serving.

Therefore, how many calories are left for much-needed nutritious foods? Not much.

Science Blog May 27, 2005

Herald-Dispatch.com May 25, 2005

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

This amazing announcement that soda has become the largest source of calories in many people’s diets is a sad commentary on the state of America’s health. This is particularly tragic as soda is one of the easiest things to eliminate from your diet. Soda consumption is likely the largest source of high-fructose modified corn syrup in the United States. And you probably know by now that sugar will devastate your insulin and leptin levels along with your ability to achieve high-level health. Some conditions related to soft drink intake include: Osteoporosis Attention deficit disorder (ADD) Insomnia Kidney stones Tooth decay The worst of all, however, may be obesity. Consider the fact that your risk for obesity increases by a whopping 60 percent for each can of soda you drink a day, and that obesity may actually lower the average age of death in the United States to a point so low that your children will be dying at a younger age than you do for the first time in history. Fortunately, one of the most important steps you can take to improve your health is also one of the simplest: Switch from soft drinks to pure water. Since sodas can be as addictive as nicotine I know that cutting them out of your diet completely may be difficult. To assist you and your children during any difficult times you may experience while doing so, I strongly recommend using the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), the energy psychology tool I regularly use in my practice. I suggest using Turbo Tapping, a modification of EFT, that can help you make this transition a quick and easy one. Related Articles: The Real Dangers of Soda to You and Your Children All-Natural Fruit Juices are Not as Healthy as You Think The Amazing Statistics and Dangers of Soda Pop