Friday, October 17, 2014

Increase in Soda Portion Sizes Linked to Increased Sugar Consumption and Obesity

A 2012 Harvard School of Public Health review of the evolution of sugary drink marketing shows a drastic increase in the size of packaged soft drinks. Available serving sizes for packaged soft drink beverages meant for individual consumption have increased by over 700% since the 1950's. Prior to the 1950's, soda was available in only 6.5 oz cans; the 1960's brought 12 oz availability which progressed to 20 oz in the 1990's and eventually 42 oz meant for singular consumption in the 2010's. This increase in portion size marketing has been linked to increased daily sugar consumption and as a result the rising obesity levels in the United States. As larger sizes of sugary drinks become available, more of Americans' daily caloric intake has been based on unhealthy simple sugars and has contributed to an obesity epidemic in the country.

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