Coke versus Pepsi?

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are the largest source of added sugars in the diet of U.S. youths; the increased caloric intake resulting from these beverages is one factor potentially contributing to the prevalence of obesity among adolescents nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveyed children in grades 9-12 in all 50 states in both public and private schools in spring 2010. The students were surveyed with an anonymous questionnaire during a regular school period.

24.3% of high school students drank a serving (e.g., can, bottle, or glass) of regular soda or pop, 16.1% drank a serving of a sports drink, and 16.9% drank a serving of another SSB one or more times per day during the same period. For all SSBs, male students were more likely than female students, and black students were more likely than white students and Hispanic students to report drinking these beverages one or more times per day.

Consumption of these beverages might be related to negative health outcomes. A recent meta-analysis (calculations using data from many different studies) found soft drink intake to be associated with increased intake of calories and increased body weight, and with lower intakes of milk, calcium, and other nutrients. Among adolescents specifically, SSB consumption can contribute to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a name for a group of risk factors that occur together and increase the risk for coronary artery disease and stroke.

Although changing school policy is an important first step, most calories from these drinks are consumed in the home. It is critical, therefore, to involve families, the media, and other institutions that interact with adolescents to increase their awareness of possible detrimental health effects and discourage their consumption of SSBs.

Families, schools, and youth-oriented institutions should limit SSBs among all adolescents while ensuring their access to more healthful beverages. Targeted efforts are especially needed to reduce consumption of SSBs among male and black adolescents. CDC also is encouraging schools to improve access to free drinking water.