Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Increases Risk for Obesity in Preschoolers

Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is associated with weight status in older children, but what about preschoolers? Investigators examined parents' reports of their children's consumption of SSBs from a representative prospective longitudinal survey of 9600 U.S. preschool children (age range, 2–5 years) born in 2001.

At ages 2, 4, and 5 years, a significantly greater proportion of children drinking ≥1 serving (8 oz) of an SSB daily had obese or overweight mothers compared with children who drank <1 serving daily. In addition, 4- and 5-year-olds who drank SSBs daily watched more television and drank less milk. SSB consumption and overweight/obesity were not significantly associated at age 2 years, but regular SSB drinkers were mo…