Soft drinks lead to weight gain: more evidence

Posted on Sun, 11 Nov 12

Three studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine have linked soft drinks to weight gain-adding strength to measures aimed at curbing consumption.

The first study examined whether there is an interaction with genetic predisposition to obesity and soft drinks. The study found that if you have a genetic predisposition to obesity drinking soft drink greatly enhances your risk of weight gain.

The two other studies examined the effects of replacing sugar sweetened drinks with sugar free drinks, one study in healthy weight kids, and one in already overweight or obese kids. Both investigations clearly showed that sugar free drinks lowered weight gain and body fat over 12-18 months.

An accompanying editorial in the journal commented that these studies "provide a strong impetus to develop recommendations and policy decisions to limit consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages."

References:

1. Qi Q, Chu AY, Kang JH, Jensen MK, Curhan GC, Pasquale LR, Ridker PM, Hunter DJ, Willett WC, Rimm EB, Chasman DI, Hu FB, Qi L. Sugar-sweetened beverages and genetic risk of obesity. N Engl J Med. 2012 Oct 11;367(15):1387-96.
2. de Ruyter JC, Olthof MR, Seidell JC, Katan MB. A trial of sugar-free or sugar-sweetened beverages and body weight in children. N Engl J Med. 2012 Oct 11;367(15):1397-406.
3. Ebbeling CB, Feldman HA, Chomitz VR, Antonelli TA, Gortmaker SL, Osganian SK,  Ludwig DS. A randomized trial of sugar-sweetened beverages and adolescent body weight. N Engl J Med. 2012 Oct 11;367(15):1407-16.
4. Caprio S. Calories from soft drinks--do they matter? N Engl J Med. 2012 Oct 11;367(15):1462-3.