According to this Los Angeles Times article, the push to get sodas out of schools is growing stronger. Anti-soda measures are currently under consideration in many states and school districts.

The American Beverage Association has already made some policy changes in response, including resolving to remove sodas entirely from elementary schools, allow middle-school kids access to full-calorie sodas only after school hours, and make sure that, at most, only 50 percent of the vending machine beverages in high schools are soft drinks.

All Sugary Drinks are a Problem

Soft drinks are currently the primary source of added sugars, and studies connect them to obesity and nutrient deficits. Along with sodas, juice drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, coffee, and even fruit juice can also cause weight and health problems if drunk excessively. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children drink no more than 8 to 12 ounces of fruit juice daily.

More Than 46 Gallons of Soda a Year!

In 1976, soft drink sales surpassed those of milk. Soda consumption has doubled since 1971, from 25.5 gallons per person per year to over 46 gallons in 2003. At the same time, other sugary drinks have gained popularity, including sweetened teas, energy drinks, and sports drinks.

Your Body Simply Can't Handle It

Some scientists worry that calories from sugary drinks may not be adequately controlled by the body's appetite regulation system; it does not reduce your hunger like solid food does, so the total calorie intake is even higher. Others are concerned by the fact that U.S. soft drinks are sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, which is processed differently in the body than other sugars, and may turn into fat more easily.

The article also revealed that:

• Carbonated drinks and juices were the leading source of calories in the diet of the average teenager, ranging from 12-13 percent
• People who consume high amounts of added sugars are more likely to be deficient in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, as well as various vitamins
• Each added 8-ounce daily serving of soft drink a child consumes increases their chance of being obese by 60 percent