• J James and D Kerr.
• Bournemouth Diabetes and Endocrine Centre, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Castle Lane East, Bournemouth, UK. janet.james@rbch.nhs.uk
• Int J Obes (Lond). 2005 Sep 1; 29 Suppl 2: S54-7.

AimsThe increasing prevalence of childhood obesity is a global problem. There are a variety of environmental factors that may be contributing to this increase. One such factor may be the increased consumption of soft drinks.ObjectiveThis review will describe some of the latest research that has examined the association between obesity and the consumption of soft drinks.ResultsThe association between the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and childhood obesity has been established in three separate American studies. It has been found that children who consume these drinks have a higher energy intake and are more likely to become overweight. In adult women, the consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks has been associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes. In the United Kingdom, a school-based initiative focusing on reducing the consumption of these drinks has also been effective in preventing a further increase in obesity.ConclusionsThere is an association between obesity and consumption of soft drinks. Initiatives focusing on reducing the consumption of these drinks may help to prevent a further increase in childhood obesity.

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