Fordham Urban Law Journal | May 30, 2018
Read the PublicationUnhealthy diets are contributing to alarming levels of obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers throughout the United States. While high-fat, sugar- and sodiumladen diets are major contributors, one of the most important causative factors is the increased consumption of sugary beverages, which include beverages that contain added caloric sweeteners such as flavored milks, fruit drinks, sports drinks, and sodas. Sugary beverages are the single largest source of added sugar in the American diet. Higher intake of sugary beverages among children was associated with a fifty-five percent higher risk of being overweight or obese than those with lower intake.