The Science is clear-Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) are contributing to the obesity epidemic and the onset of type 2 diabetes. Individuals who drink one or two sugary drinks per day have a 25% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Over the past 10 years, the percentage of U.S. Teens that have diabetes or pre-diabetes has increased from nine percent to 23%.
Rethinking SSBs
Community and statewide improvements to the food and beverage environments are key to helping California make healthier choices. Clearly communicating that drinking SSBs can lead to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay will reinforce the importance of reducing SSB consumption and increasing the consumption of healthy beverages, including water. Check out the various resources below and begin to take action.
Sugar Bites. Choose Water Instead:
First 5 Contra Costa and Healthy & Active Before 5 Collaborative launch a new campaign, “Sugar Bites,” to encourage parents to choose water over sugary beverages. The campaign features a scary looking soda can with menacing teeth, drawing attention to the high sugar content in sodas, juice drinks, flavored milk, and sports drinks, and the health consequences related to the consumption of these sugary drinks, like diabetes and tooth decay. Protect your students – give them water instead.
“Drinkin’ That Water”:
This first-prize winning video from San Francisco, CA features a youth who creatively raps about why drinking water is important.
Soda Free Summer:
A campaign targeted to youth to promote water consumption and reduce sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. While it is designed for the summer time, the Soda Free Summer campaign can be adapted for use during the school year.
“Drink Water!” Said the Potter the Otter:
A campaign targeted to kids to promote water consumption. The link includes resources in English and Spanish.
Bay Area Nutrition and Physical Activity Collaborative: Sugar Savvy Materials:
Resources in English and Spanish on reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.
Rethink your Drink
Information and resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the City of San Francisco on reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and promoting water consumption.