The Not-So-Sweet Side of Sugar
Have you heard the news? Extra sugar can lead to weight gain.
In the past 20 years, obesity levels have doubled in the United States. In Boston, about 54% of adults and 40% of Boston Public School students are overweight or obese. Obesity is a very serious health issue that can lead to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer.
Numerous studies have linked the rise in obesity levels to the increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.
Sugar-sweetened beverages, such as regular soda, sport drinks, sweetened tea, coffee drinks and energy drinks, are loaded with “empty,” or non-nutritional calories. These empty calories don’t fill you up. As a result, it’s much easier to consume more calories than your body needs as you try to satisfy your hunger. Even if you’re trying to eat healthy and live an active lifestyle, overlooking the calories you drink could be sabotaging your health one sip at a time.
A simple lifestyle change can help lower obesity levels. A reduction in the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages—the largest source of added sugar in American diets, accounting for about 10% of total calories consumed—can significantly improve the health of Boston citizens. However, most people don’t realize how many calories there are in sugary sodas, fruit juices, sport drinks and sweetened tea and coffee. The purpose of this campaign is to raise awareness of the health impact of sugar-sweetened beverages through multiple media channels, and to encourage adults to take steps in reducing the consumption of sugary drinks in the lives of their families. Learn more about who we are and see how the beverage industry targets you and your family.
Learn more about sugar-sweetened beverages and access resources to help you and your family improve your drinking habits. Discover FREE campaign materials and other resources available to you.