UCLA study reports nearly 1 in 3 California kids have a sugary drink daily

This study shows that children are still drinking too much sugar. In order to keep our kids healthy and our chronic disease rates and costs from skyrocketing, we need to reverse this trend,” said Flojaune Cofer, state policy director atPublic Health Advocates,  a California-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing policy solutions to emerging health issues. “The problem is especially severe among low-income communities, heightening the need for local and state policymakers to redouble efforts to protect these communities.”According toprevious research by Babey, one in three young adults in California already have prediabetes, a precursor to life-threatening Type 2 diabetes.Research suggests sugary drink consumption is influenced by social and environmental factors such as the food environment and aggressive beverage marketing. The increased consumption among California children suggests the need for greater policy and education efforts, Cofer said.“Our kids don’t need to be drinking anything with added sugar,” she said. “That’s why continued pressure and advocacy for standard drink options without sugar, along with accurate labeling and advertising, are important for creating a healthy environment for our children. We can work toget her to ensure our kids can live healthy and vibrant lives.”Robert Ross, president and CEO of  The California Endowment, said, “The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages poses a serious threat to the health of children. Type...
Source: UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences - Category: Universities & Medical Training Source Type: news