Weekly Dose of Wellness

Weekly Dose of Wellness


What’s in Your Child’s Cup? And Why it Matters

July 08, 2013

Today, one in three American children and adolescents are overweight or obese – nearly triple the rate in the 1960s, according to the American Heart Association. In addition, children are experiencing a broad range of health issues that previously weren't appearing until adulthood like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol levels – all of which are high-risk factors for developing heart disease as an adult. In Sept. 2012, the New England Journal of Medicine published the results of two separate clinical trials both linking the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks with childhood weight gain. Registered dietitian at Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach Amanda Legro, RD, reveals the results from the clinical trials, why sugary and energy drinks are bad for your child's health, plus good alternatives for you to switch to.