Are Sugary Drinks Really To Blame for Obesity?

It seems that all across the country municipalities are launching an assault on sugary beverages as a way of curbing the obesity epidemic.  But, are sugary drinks really to blame for obesity?  It's not just a soft drink problem as much as it is a consumption issue.  However, when you run the numbers from the nutrition label it is clear to see why soda and other soft drinks rich in sugar are being targeted.  A 16oz. bottle of Coke, for instance, contains 54 grams of carbohydrates. That's a lot of carbs for such a small serving. 

All carbohydrates are composed of sugar. When you add up all of the sodas and other carb-loaded foods that are consumed in a day, you begin to understand why obesity and diabetes have become such a big health concern today. While carbohydrates are a necessary source of energy, whatever amount that is not burned by the body gets stored as fat.  As this fat accumulates, people get bigger and bigger.

To be fair, soft drinks are not the only culprit.  Juices and even some fruit have a high sugar content.  An apple can contain as much as 25 grams of carbohydrates.  However, the fiber in apples acts like sort of a fail stop mechanism that fills you up. To help people make healthier choices restaurants and fast food places have begun listing nutrition information on their menus.  You can also visit nutritiondata.self.com to see how your favorite foods stack up and to find healthier alternatives.

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