News Releases & Statements

Statement of American Beverage Association Regarding Metabolic Syndrome Study In Circulation

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      
JANUARY 23, 2008 

Contacts:    

Tracey Halliday                    
202-463-6718

       
STATEMENT OF AMERICAN BEVERAGE ASSOCIATION

REGARDING METABOLIC SYNDROME STUDY IN CIRCULATION

In response to “Dietary Intake and the Development of the Metabolic Syndrome, The Artherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study,” a study published in Circulation:  Journal of the American Heart Association, Dr. Maureen Storey, senior vice president for science policy for the American Beverage Association (ABA), said:

“This study fails to control for the most important risk factor in developing metabolic syndrome—weight gain.  Had they controlled for weight gain or changes in BMI over the nine-year study period, it is likely that they would not have seen these associations at all.  And it certainly does not prove any link between consumption of diet soft drinks – a beverage with no calories—and weight gain.  This study merely shows that diet soda consumption and certain markers for metabolic syndrome occur simultaneously – not that one causes the other.  Even the researchers themselves acknowledge that ‘additional research’ on the relation between diet soda and metabolic syndrome ‘is clearly warranted.’

What this study does is once again emphasize the need for controlling weight gain through moderation in calorie intake, along with getting more physical activity on a regular basis.  That is, balancing calories consumed with calories burned.  And for those seeking to reduce or control their caloric intake, diet beverages are a logical choice to help with that.”

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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.

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