News Releases & Statements

American Beverage Association Response to UCLA Study on Soda Consumption

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2009

Contact:
ABA Press Office
(202) 463-6770

AMERICAN BEVERAGE ASSOCIATION RESPONSE
TO UCLA STUDY ON SODA CONSUMPTION

In response to "Bubbling Over: Soda Consumption and Its Link to Obesity in California," a health policy research brief issued by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, Dr. Maureen L. Storey, senior vice president of science policy for the American Beverage Association, said:

"This study does not demonstrate cause and effect because, like all epidemiological studies, it looks at correlations. In fact, the compendium of science shows that soft drinks do not uniquely contribute to obesity or any other chronic disease. A review published in Nutrition Research Reviews concludes that there is little evidence from epidemiological studies that sugar-sweetened drinks are more likely than any other source of calories to lead to obesity. Furthermore, a study funded by the Canadian government that looked at more than 137,000 school-aged children in 34 countries found no association between soft drink intake and body mass index. And, a study by Harvard researchers published this year in the New England Journal of Medicine confirmed that all calories count - regardless of food source - when it comes to losing weight.

If our goal is to address obesity, then educating consumers about the importance of balancing calories consumed from all foods and beverages with the calories expended through physical activity is what matters - not demonizing any one particular food. The beverage industry is doing its part to educate consumers about the importance of living an active, healthy and balanced lifestyle. We provide myriad beverage choices, from zero calories to a varying range of calories. In fact, since 1998, our industry has decreased the calories per ounce produced by more than 24 percent. And, according to data recently presented at Experimental Biology 2009, the American public is taking advantage of the many beverage innovations being developed by the beverage industry, including the introduction of new no- and low-calorie beverages. Consumers of all ages are drinking more no- and lower-calorie beverages than they did just several years ago.

The fact remains you can be a healthy person and enjoy a soft drink. What is important is consuming a variety of foods and beverages in moderation and getting regular physical activity. These are the irrefutable facts - the keys - to maintaining a healthy weight."

# # #

The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States.

-30-