New Study Reveals What Americans Drink and Its Relation to Weight Gain

A new study conducted by ENVIRON International Corporation suggests that when it comes to managing weight, Americans should not only be careful with the amount of food they put in their plates, but also be aware of what goes in their glasses, cups, cans and car drink holders.  The study shows that more than 99% of Americans ages 4 and older consumed at least one beverage other than plain water on any particular day, with nearly 50% of people ages 4 and older consuming regular soft drinks on any given day.  It also reveals that, on average, beverages provided nearly one-quarter (22%) of total calories in a day, along with comparable or even higher percentages of carbohydrates, added sugars and key vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. 

What America Drinks also shows that total added sugars intakes were highest among teenagers and that soft drinks provided Americans with 6% of total calories, 13% of total carbohydrates, and 36% of all added sugars of their diet.  Moreover, sweetened beverages (including regular soft drinks, fruit drinks and presweetened teas) were the largest contributor of calories compared to other beverages for all age/gender groups except children (4-8 years) and older adults (50+ years).  Specifically, regular soft drinks were the top beverage source of calories for all preteens, teenagers and adults 19-49 years old.

The report analyzed data from more than 10,000 Americans ages 4 and older who participated in the government’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) of 1999-2000 and 2001-2002.  The study eliminates plausible reporters, that is, NHANES respondents with unrealistic calorie intakes, and provides analysis of intakes of several beverages including: sweetened beverages, sports drinks, diet drinks, fruit/vegetable juice, milk (plain, flavored, and milk-based), coffee, tea, water, alcoholic beverages, among others.  In addition, the study analyzes contributions to calorie and nutrient intakes as well as Body Mass Index (BMI) by beverage intake pattern and the potential link that some beverage intakes might have to obesity. 

Study results show that milk consumed as a beverage, or taken with cereal provides Americans with a substantial portion of essential nutrients, while other types of beverages tend to contribute substantially to calories and added sugars intakes, but provide few nutrients other than vitamin C, potassium and some folate.  Results also indicate that milk continues to be consumed primarily by young children, with no more than half of some other age/gender groups drinking milk on any given day.  Moreover, low intakes of milk, flavored milk and milk-based beverages by many age/gender groups may contribute to a failure to meet nutrient needs since these beverages are important sources of nutrients such as vitamin A, magnesium, calcium, potassium and zinc. 

Think About What You and Your School Children Drink

To help change the way America drinks, a new Think About Your Drink campaign is involving the help of dietitians, pediatricians and school nutrition professionals.  The campaign will include new public service-type ads on television and a Milk Mustache ad in magazines featuring actress and new mom Mariska Hargitay to urge people to make better beverage choices. 

The campaign’s website includes new tools such as a personalized nutrition analysis of daily drinks, a personal training program hosted by fitness guru Kathy Smith as well as success stories.  

For more information about the Think About Your Drink campaign and a copy of the What America Drinks report, please visit: http://www.thinkaboutyourdrink.com/index.php

Source: “What America Drinks,” Environ International Corporation.