Calories from Soft Drinks — Do They Matter?

Obesity has emerged as one of the greatest global health challenges of the 21st century.1 Its increase among children and adolescents is particularly frightening, given the associated metabolic and cardiovascular complications.2,3 Studies from developing countries with populations that are undergoing rapid changes in nutrition are showing increases in the prevalence of childhood obesity.4 The increase in consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among both adults and children in the United States and other countries is considered a potential contributor to the obesity pandemic.5,6 Sugar intake from sugar-sweetened beverages alone, which are the largest single caloric food source in the United . . .