The proposed Soda Tax has been a hot topic on several prominent websites dedicated to nutrition. I’m not an expert in Food & Obesity Policy (see www.yaleruddcenter.org for all statistics in this article and very interesting reading) for educated experts talk about these issues, but as a health care provider, I do have an interest in reducing childhood obesity and improving the overall health in my community.
A 2004 study reports that the average person drinks 50 gallons of soda a year! So if you do the math, that is approximately 533 cans of soda per year. Not far reaching if one is drinking 1-2 sodas per day. That doesn’t even touch the stories of teens who drink 1-2 liters of soda per day.
Soda is the single largest contributor of calorie intake in the United States. We know what that means…extra calories, extra weight, and soon obesity related health problems. For children, each extra can or glass of soda consumed per day increases their chance of becoming obese by 60%. A 2009 California study found that adults who drink one or more sodas per day are 27% more likely to be overweight or obese than those who do not drink soda.
The marketing geniuses for soda companies recognize that traditional carbonated drink sales are down, and have been marketing beverages sports drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened waters and teas. Sales of these non-carbonated sweetened drinks are up. That brings up the recommendation that all sugar-sweetened beverages be taxed.
You may scoff at soda if you have more sophisticated tastes (yes, I’m talking to you foodies). But what about those sugar-laden coffee or juice drinks that are available at most fast food markets, coffee houses, or gas stations? The bottom line is everything we eat and drinks needs to be analyzed. Empty calories in any form can affect the bottom line…your health.
- Tiffany Norris, MSN, RN, BC, PMHNP
Bariatric Nurse Coordinator
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