Many of the sources found point to a link between the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages and obesity. They also link excessive consumption to adverse health affects. A Tufts University review of studies published over 17 years found that consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was the most consistent dietary factor associated with weight gain (Geller). Unlike other drinks, sugar sweetened beverages are a huge concern to public health. Not only do they help propel the obesity epidemic, but they are actually a cause of it. According to the American Heart Association, one 12 ounce soda contains 8 teaspoons of sugar, more than the recommended daily amount for women, and almost reaching the daily recommended sugar intake for men (American Heart Association), and the average American gets 33% of their added sugar intake from these drinks. The research shows that excessive consumption of these drinks can lead to health problems, such as obesity. The sad part about the cycle is that obesity can lead to other health problems. Finkelstein estimates that the medical costs of obesity could have risen to $147 billion in 2008, or 9.1% of US health care expenditures (Finkelstein). This trend is extremely distressing, because the majority of Americans, given the chance, are as lethargic as possible. Our country enjoys a high standard of living, and at the same time we enjoy a very lazy method of living. The literature proves that despite all the comforts we enjoy, the United States of America faces an internal problem, obesity. It’s not a problem we can solve with medicine or a military might, but one we must combat by changing lifestyles.
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