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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
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