1. The Burden of Obesity in North Carolina Soft Drink Consumption

2. Between 1970 and 1997, yearly per capita consumption of non-diet soft drinks rose 86% in the United States. The prevalence of obesity increased 112% during that same time. Between 1970 and 1997, yearly per capita consumption of non-diet soft drinks rose 86% in the United States. The prevalence of obesity increased 112% during that same time. The most popular American beverage is the carbonated soft drink, which accounts for 28% of total beverage consumption. The most popular American beverage is the carbonated soft drink, which accounts for 28% of total beverage consumption. Milk is accounts for about 11%. Milk is accounts for about 11%.

3. U.S. Daily Soft Drink Consumption More than half (56%) of 8-year-olds drink soft drinks daily. More than half (56%) of 8-year-olds drink soft drinks daily. Most adolescents, 65% of girls and 74% of boys, drink soft drinks daily. Most adolescents, 65% of girls and 74% of boys, drink soft drinks daily.

4. Children (Age 8-14) Consuming Soft Drinks Daily

5. Soda is the most common soft drink. On average, adolescents get 15 teaspoons of sugar from soft drinks daily. On average, adolescents get 15 teaspoons of sugar from soft drinks daily. A 12-ounce can of soda has 150 calories and 10 teaspoons of sugar in the form of high-fructose corn syrup. A 12-ounce can of soda has 150 calories and 10 teaspoons of sugar in the form of high-fructose corn syrup.

6. High-Fructose Corn Syrup High-fructose corn syrup is a sweetener developed from processing corn that is added to regular soda. High-fructose corn syrup is a sweetener developed from processing corn that is added to regular soda. One soda a day could lead to a weight gain of 15 pounds in one year. One soda a day could lead to a weight gain of 15 pounds in one year. For each additional sugar-sweetened drink consumed daily, adult BMI increased by 60%. For each additional sugar-sweetened drink consumed daily, adult BMI increased by 60%.

7. Is Diet Soda Better? Surprisingly, the risk of obesity in people only drinking diet soft drinks was even higher than regular soda. Surprisingly, the risk of obesity in people only drinking diet soft drinks was even higher than regular soda. There was a 41% increase in risk of being overweight for every can or bottle of diet soft drink a person consumes each day. There was a 41% increase in risk of being overweight for every can or bottle of diet soft drink a person consumes each day.

8. Regular and Diet Soda Increase Obesity Risk

9. Soda vs. Milk U.S. youth are drinking twice as much soda as milk. U.S. youth are drinking twice as much soda as milk. Only three in ten (36%) boys and less than two in ten (14%) girls are getting enough calcium. Only three in ten (36%) boys and less than two in ten (14%) girls are getting enough calcium.