New CDC Study in 23 States and the District of Columbia Shows

1 in 3 Adults Drink Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Daily

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), such as regular soda, fruit drinks, coffee/tea drinks, or sports and energy drinks, are a significant source of added sugar in the diet of many Americans. Drinking these beverages frequently is linked to poor health conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and dental cavities. While consumption of SSBs has decreased modestly in recent years, daily intake of sugary drinks remains high in some states and within certain populations. A new CDC study in 23 states and the District of Columbia shows that 1 in 3 adults, aged 18 years and older, drink SSBs at least once a day.

CDC examined data from the 2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for 23 states and the District of Columbia. Researchers found the following patterns for adults who reported drinking SSBs daily:

SSB intake was highest in Mississippi (47.5%), followed by Louisiana (45.5%) and West Virginia (45.2%).
Daily SSB consumption was most common among adults aged 18–24 years (43.3%), men (34.1%), Non-Hispanic blacks (39.9%), adults who reported being unemployed (34.4%), and adults who reported having less than a high school education (42.4%).
The prevalence of SSB intake one or more times per day among younger adults (18–24 years) was 2.3 times the prevalence among the older adults (aged 55 years and older)—43.3% versus 19.1%, respectively.

Because of the health problems associated with frequent SSB intake, reducing consumption might help adults with weight management and with lowering the risk for some chronic diseases. People who want to reduce their daily added sugar intake can replace SSBs with healthier beverages, such as plain water or water with fruit.

What is CDC doing about this issue?

Encouraging improvements in dietary quality including reducing added sugar intake as an important behavior for preventing and controlling obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.
Supporting states use of this data for monitoring trends and for guiding targeted intervention efforts to reduce SSB consumption.
Promoting the use of the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans which state that daily intake of calories from added sugars not exceed 10% of total calories.
Promoting implementation of healthy food service guidelines in federal and state government worksite facilities to increase the availability of healthier food and beverages for employees and visitors.

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