Obesity

The headlines are hard to ignore. America has a weight challenge.

The American Beverage Association, representing America’s nonalcoholic beverage producers, marketers, bottlers, distributors and, ultimately, consumers, is concerned about the obesity issue in America and our industry is doing its part to help impact health and wellness. In May 2006, for example, the beverage industry joined with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to create new School Beverage Guidelines calling for only lower calorie, nutritious and functional beverage products in schools to help children balance calories during the school day.

And our industry makes an array of products that can be a catalyst for good health – bottled waters, 100 percent fruit juices, sports drinks, teas and low - and no - calorie soft drinks.

Beverages and food play an obvious role in determining good health, as do any number of factors relating to lifestyle. However, all beverages can be part of a balanced lifestyle.

It is generally accepted that obesity involves three main factors: genetics, energy intake and energy expenditure.

Many Factors Impact Obesity

Obesity is a serious and complex problem that is best addressed by living a balanced lifestyle – consuming a variety of foods and beverages in moderation and getting plenty of exercise.

A main contributing factor of obesity is lack of exercise. Simply put: calories in, calories out. University of North Carolina researchers found that in the past 20 years adolescent obesity rates climbed 10 percent, while calorie intake only rose one percent. During the same period, children’s physical activity levels declined 13 percent.

Beverage companies have responded to the changing needs and interest of consumers by providing many low-calorie and no-calorie beverages. Sales of bottled water, diet drinks and sports drinks have grown dramatically in recent years.