Too Sweet for Our Own Good
We encourage hydration and drinking plenty of
fluids. Our teenage son loves drinking soft drinks, but he has gained a lot of
weight. How do we balance the counsel we receive on drinking adequate amounts
of liquids, especially as we see our son now struggling with his weight?
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hen we encourage the intake of fluids, we’re referring
primarily to drinking water. As you point out, many people, both young and old,
are drinking increasing amounts of soft drinks (also known as sodas or
sugar-sweetened beverage [SSBs]). These
drinks are laden with refined sugars and are fueling epidemics of obesity and
diabetes throughout the world. Significant consequences result, especially in
low and middle-income countries.