"Empty" calories contribute to childhood obesity

Children at preschool who are regularly given sugary drinks between meals are more likely to be overweight than their peers. The empty calories from sugar-sweetened sodas and fruit drinks contribute to childhood obesity, but not all studies have found evidence to support this claim. Researchers at the University of Ottawa looked at whether young children who regularly had sweet drinks between meals, specifically, were more likely to become overweight before the age of 5 years. Mothers of 1,500 children were given detailed dietary questionnaires to complete when the children were 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 years old. The children's weight and height were measured at the age of 4.5 years. In general, the study found that children who regularly had sugar-sweetened soda or fruit drinks for snacks—at least four to six times each week—were more than twice as likely to become overweight as children who had no sugary drinks between meals. This did not include children who drank only 100% pure fruit juice. The findings suggest that parents should limit preschoolers' intake of sugar-sweetened drinks. Beverages offering a better nutritive value, such as milk and 100% fruit juice, are better choices for children, adolescents and adults. However, while 100% fruit juices offer nutrients, they also typically contain a fair amount of calories. Parents should keep in mind that children get the equivalent of a fruit serving from just 4 ounces of pure fruit juice. It was also noted that preschoolers who drink too much juice between meals might not be hungry when it's time to eat. When children need something simply to quench their thirst between meals or at bedtime, they should be given water.