The American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) has issued a statement saying that eliminating soft drinks from the nation’s schools would help to reduce tooth decay and obesity, along with improving the health of children.
Nearly half of all U.S. children are overweight or obese due to the intake of fats and sugars, which accounts for 40 percent of the average child’s daily energy intake. The sweetened drinks, such as soda, which are found in many schools vending machines, are the primary source of the added sugar.
Studies show that 56 percent to 85 percent of children consume at least one soft drink a day, and 20 percent of adolescent males drink four or more sodas a day. Each 12-ounce can of soda consumed increases a child’s risk of obesity by 60 percent.
The reason school districts sign contracts to put vending machines in schools isn’t necessarily because the children want it, but instead is largely because of the return of revenue the schools receive. However, the APP recommends that schools eliminate vending machines that sell soda or that the vending machines be placed outside the cafeteria and turned off during lunch hours to help prevent childhood obesity.
Pediatrics January, 2004;113(1):132
I applaud the AAP for taking an appropriate stance, however I really want to know what took them so long. Selling sodas in school is nothing new. Nearly three years ago I posted information on this topic that explained that schools had contracts with soft drink companies and other vendors that earned them as much as $100,000 a year. Some schools had guaranteed sales of about 50 sodas per student. I wonder if the pediatric dentists previous affiliation with Coke had anything to do with this.
Soda is one of the main reasons, nutritionally speaking, why many people suffer health problems. Aside from the negative effects of the soda itself, drinking a lot of soda is likely to leave you with little appetite for vegetables, protein and other food that your body needs.
If you are still drinking soda, stopping the habit is an easy way to improve your health. Pure water is a much better choice. If you must drink a carbonated beverage, try sparkling mineral water.
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