The health of the public relies on many factors that can be related back to nutritional habits of the majority. By allocating resources to many of these nutritional issues, the chances of a healthier population increase exponentially. Increased sugar additives, misleading food labels, and fad diets using weight loss supplements are a few of the issues that continue to plague the health of the entire population. Having a sweet tooth is okay to an extent, but lately it seems that every item bought in a store has an outrageous amount of sugar added to make it fulfill that sweet craving. The addition of so much sugar to the diets of millions has long been thought to be a cause of obesity. Not only are sugary snacks to blame, but also the drinks in our fridge. With many people in the population relying on caffeine to get them through their long workdays, the consumption of sugary beverages, such as caffeinated soda, is a normal thing for many people. Though helpful for a short burst of energy, the added sugar is having other implications. According to an article in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) adds the greatest amount sugar to diets. With the increased consumption of SSBs, childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease have increased as well. Obesity alone costs the American healthcare system $147 billion dollars a year. Allocating resources to the education of the public on additive
Sugary beverages suggest a poor dietary quality; they are loaded with added sugars and attribute to the body’s energy density. “A 20-year study on 120,000 men and women found that people who increased their sugary drink consumption by one 12-ounce serving per day gained more weight over time—about 4 pounds per year” (19). Through increasing the daily intake in trivial increments, the body substantially results in an increased BMI (body mass index) and an increased body fat percentage score. Another study conducted at Harvard found that a 60 percent increase occurs in children for each 12-ounce they additionally drink daily. (________) The growing correlation between obesity and sugar has led to further studies, and statistical data. Researchers have revealed that in total, “half the people in the U.S. consume sugary drinks; 1 in 4 get at least 200 calories from such drinks; and 5% get at least 567 calories.” It was additionally found that one-fourth of Americans are consuming more than 135 grams of sugar per day from soda and other sweetened beverages, which compares to people of the past who only had 10 grams of fructose a day (_____). Such a high daily intake of sugar and calories illustrates the risk that arises when people consume too much sugar; that is, sugary drinks result in weight issues and medical consequences.
With growing population it is normal to expect this change to affect environmental and health nationwide. By making ourselves aware of these issues allows preparations and changes to decrease chances of diseases and viruses. The biggest environmental concern is obesity because in the last two decades Americans have witnessed noticeable changes in the average body formation by a 10 percent increase. This has become the number one nutritional concern on the public health agenda. Although many do not understand how this obesity epidemic began but speculation is contributed to the environmental changes. Many believe the lack of exercise versus consumption of food is the most logical reason for obesity. The concern of fast food has also remained in the spotlight for unhealthy, greasy, high calorie food. Obesity can contribute to other health concerns such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. With growing population and the increase in obesity finding a solution for this concern is important.
Recently, people have become worried about the health issues associated with consuming sugary drinks, especially soda. The rate of people being diagnosed with type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease has been going up primarily because of beverages with added sugar (Cited in Crawford, 2016). Several studies have found that soda is linked to over 180,000 deaths per year (Cited in Crawford, 2016). An article by the Huffington Post (2011) said that an average American drinks about 44.7 gallons of carbonated beverages a year, which adds up to over 350 pounds of soda. Comparatively, in 2005 an average American drank only 0.5 gallons, making soft drinks the most consumed beverage in America (n/a, 2011). The way the government is trying to fix
Nutritionists would play a necessary role in a proactive healthcare system. It is estimated that healthier diets may prevent $71 billion per year in medical costs, lost productivity, and the value of premature deaths associated with these conditions. (Frazão) There is a strong correlation between the introduction of additives, such as artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, and trans fats, in the American diet and the obesity epidemic, both of which began in the early 1960 's. (AHA) Although many people know these substance are unhealthy, they are not aware of how often these additives are present in foods deemed as healthy. These substances are found in staple foods, such as frozen food, baked goods, processed foods, jelly, juice, sodas, whole-grain breads, cereals, ketchup, crackers, yogurt, sweet pickles, applesauce, salad dressing, ice cream, breakfast bars, lunch meats, canned fruits, dairy products, sweetened beverages and added to some meats. (Siegel) Since this is such a deeply rooted problem that has not yet been solved through the efforts of educating the public, specialists are necessary to resolve this costly problem. (Calkins)
A single can of soda can have at least ten teaspoons of sugar, that is already the daily maximum recommended intake. Sugar can increase cholesterol levels, heart disease, diabetes and weight gain.Moreover. The obesity is a colossal problem in America. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention 35.9% of U.S. adults over the age of twenty are obese (CDC, 2013). The CDC also notes that 69.2% of U.S. adults twenty years of age and over are overweight. The obesity problem does not only affect adults in the U.S. The CDC notes that 18.4% of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 19 are currently obese (CDC, 2013). These numbers show the harshness of the obesity problem in this
Here are just a few items that might seem harmless, but contain quite a bit of added sugars, these items include the following: breakfast cereals, granola bars, barbecue sauce, pasta sauces, flavored yogurts, protein shakes, peanut butter, and juice. Also the extremely popular energy drinks are another culprit of over sugared substances. This one beverage alone contains a staggering amount of 83 grams, which is ¼ of a cup of sugar. Ordinarily,this would be the same amount of sugar that people should consume over the time period of a week, and they 're having it in one drink! Furthermore,people are wondering why they act so funny after consuming something like this, it 's not the caffeine, it’s the sugar. 70% of the pre-made and packaged foods sold in grocery stores come laced with sugars, even the foods labels that read sugar free! The world wants to move in the direction of healthier lifestyles and fitness with the inspirational messages coming from health care, promoting “health is wealth”, yet we 're working with contaminated sources of fuel. With all the “extras” they pump into our pantry staples, meats, dairies and produce we’re left with minimal options of pure unadulterated food and drink. For decades America’s predominant strategy implemented educate about health with, nutrition labels, public service announcements and essentially school based health education(the food pyramids.) Surprisingly, enough years
"WARNING: Drinking beverages with added sugar(s) contributes to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay. This is a message from the City and County of San Francisco” (Tama, M., 2015). Will this warning detour the American public from drinking sugary beverages? In 2011-2013, the Center for Disease Control reported that two states Colorado and Hawaii had less than 20% obesity. The Midwest led the country with a 28.7% obesity rate. When surveyed again in 2013, the South now leads the countries obesity epidemic with 30.2 % and the Midwest comes in a close second with 30.1%. There are no longer any states that fall beneath the 20% threshold (Obesity Prevalence Maps, 2013). With obesity rates rising, researchers are focusing on what leads to these statistics so that it can be reversed. These startling statistics requires action to be taken to reverse this growing epidemic. Obesity, Tooth decay, and Type 2 Diabetes have been linked to negative side effects of sugary beverages. As a leader in healthcare, Mayo Clinic should remove sugary drinks and foods from their hospitals, clinics, and health systems to model healthy living.
Congress hereby finds and declares that the United States of America has experienced a dramatic increase in the number of obese people and the number of deaths caused by the symptoms of obesity. Obesity is the leading cause of preventable deaths and accounts for 18% of all deaths in America (Fox 2013); thus, a one-cent-per-ounce tax on sugary beverages will decrease consumer rates and lower the obesity level. The rise in sweetened beverage consumption is parallel to the increase in obesity rates. Soda and other sugary substances are the largest contributors to sugar and calorie intake; soft drinks, energy drinks, sweet teas, and sports drinks are considered the top most consumed beverages in America (Kickthecan 2014). The annual medical costs due to obesity and overweight Americans is also staggering. The proposed solution will not hinder the necessary diet and nutritional value of one 's meal, but rather improve it by reducing the amount of sugar American 's consume, especially since sugary beverages are a large factor of obesity that can be costly and life threatening.
Sweetness has been the obsession that affected humans for many years. It is the satisfaction that people seem to like, however, there might be a downfall to this addiction with sugar. There have been studies that claimed that the obesity rates in America have increased dramatically for over the past 20 years (Eatwell.com, 2012). Obesity rates have increased by double that it has made it to the top three health concerns in America. Experts are trying to find out what causes obesity. Moreover, there are studies that linked with drinking large amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages that a child can risk obesity. This might possibly prove that obesity can be caused by sugar-sweetened food.
164). In fact, a lot of other factors were considered in the rise of obesity,such as age group, education, water-consumption, and more. Although added sugars are a huge part of obesity, researchers have been able to link many other factors to the rise of obesity and as such, added sugars may not be the only factor in reducing obesity for every person.Like obesity, added sugars have a direct link to the increased development of diabetes. The increase of added sugars within chosen society trends, have escalated the prevalence of diabetes within the United States. Researchers believe that, “sugar-sweetened beverages are the primary source of added sugars in the U.S. diet” (Malik, Popkin, Bray, Després, Willett, & Hu, 2010, pg. 2477). In addition to added sugars within sugar-sweetened beverages, any item containing added sugars can lead to an increased risk of developing diabetes.However, “while experimental and observational studies suggest that sugar intake is associated with the development of type 2 diabetes, independent of its role in obesity, it is unclear whether alterations in sugar intake can account for differences in diabetes prevalence among overall populations” (Basu, Yoffe, Hills, & Lustig, 2013, pg. 1). While diabetes does have a direct link tothe increase in added sugars, other factors such as total calories, obesity, age
“The use of added sugars has risen steadily over the past several decades, both in the United States and around the world, with soft drinks and sugared fruit drinks accounting for most of the increases (pg. 117)
Sugar-sweetened beverages are the largest source of added sugars in the American diet. With that information comes a Word of
Because of prevailing junk food, the next generation of Americans will struggle with obesity and diabetes more than any other. Thus, one of the culprits is the sugar-filled sodas and other sugar-sweetened beverages, like sports drinks or sweet-teas. At this point, Legislators in California are trying to emblazon sodas with a warning label that looks similar to the alert on cigarette packages or alcohol bottles. They believed that all beverages with more than 75 calories of added sugar in a 12 oz. will contribute to obesity, diabetes and tooth decay. Legislators’ intention is positive to protect people, however, their statement has no support by any research institutes.
To begin, soda or other high sugar drinks have been called a staple of the American Diet for years. In fact if given the choice between soda and water most would choose the soda. Although it is the main beverage in a lot of american’s diet, it is most likely doing more harm to the health than good, and some of those drinking it may not even know it. Soda consumption is directly linked to the rising rates of many different health problems (Gale Student Resources 1). Some of these
Surveys have shown that sugar-sweetened beverages are the primary source of added sugar in our diets. According to a Coca-Cola history website, the soft-drinks’ bottle sizes have been enlarged drastically over the past 40 years, basically meaning that we are drinking more soft drinks than ever. As an example, half of the population in the US consume sugary drinks every day, in which about 25% gain at least 200 calories from these drinks. Sugary drinks are also the top calorie source in teen’s diets, increasing the risk of diseases such as obesity, diabetes and heart problems from an early stage. It is a major contributor to the obesity epidemic around the world, so I believe resisting these sugary drinks and promoting healthier products can go a long way toward the goal of elevating the number of a healthy