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Otago study calls for sugar tax

A New Zealand study suggests that sugary drinks contribute to an obesogenic environment, leading people to make unhealthy food choices. The researchers recommend implementing a sugar tax to encourage industry reformulation and individual responsibility for healthy consumption.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPeerJ·DateNov 8, 2018

The impact of the sugar tax in Chile: A bittersweet success?

A new study reveals that Chile's sugar tax led to a significant decrease in the purchase volume of sugary soft drinks, particularly among high socioeconomic groups. However, the reduction was statistically insignificant for low-income groups, suggesting that further evaluations are needed to address socioeconomic inequalities.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 3, 2018

Some calories more harmful than others

A consensus among 22 nutrition researchers is that sugar-sweetened beverages increase cardiometabolic risk factors compared to equal amounts of starch. The paper also suggests that aspartame does not promote weight gain and consumption of polyunsaturated fats lowers disease risk when compared to saturated fats.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalObesity Reviews·DateMay 15, 2018

Mandatory nutrition policies may impact sugar consumption

A University of Waterloo study found that mandatory nutrition policies in Ontario reduced sugar-sweetened beverage consumption by 16% compared to Alberta. The study suggests that schools alone may not be enough to curb adolescents' intake of sugary drinks, highlighting the need for broader environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMar 28, 2018

Sales of sugar-sweetened drinks in Jamie's Italian restaurants fall by 11 percent after 10p levy

A study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that introducing a small levy of 10 pence per drink to the price of sugar-sweetened beverages sold in Jamie's Italian restaurants contributed to a significant decline in SSB sales, with a 9.3% decrease observed six months later. The study suggests that financial measures...

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateOct 16, 2017

Study reveals sweetened drinks during pregnancy puts infants at higher risk for obesity

A recent Danish study found that maternal daily consumption of artificially-sweetened beverages during pregnancy was associated with a higher body mass index score and increased risk of overweight/obesity at 7 years. This study suggests that substituting SSBs with artifically sweetened beverages may increase offspring obesity risk.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateJun 8, 2017

Dining hall intervention helped college students choose healthier options

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that encouraging fruit, vegetable, and water intake in a college dining hall led to smarter food choices. The intervention included PACE labeling and posters promoting healthier options, resulting in reduced sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and increased...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJun 7, 2017

Drinking diet beverages during pregnancy linked to child obesity, NIH study suggests

A study by the National Institutes of Health found that drinking artificially sweetened beverages during pregnancy may increase the risk of childhood obesity. Women who consumed at least one artificially sweetened beverage per day were more likely to have children with high birth weights and increased obesity risk at age 7.

Sugar and sweeteners -- how do they affect our appetite?

A new study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that healthy young men who consume sugar, Stevia, monk fruit, or aspartame-sweetened beverages do not experience a significant difference in overall energy intake. However, they did eat more after consuming natural non-nutritive sweeteners.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateDec 13, 2016

Soda tax falls flat

A new study by Cornell University economist John Cawley found that the Berkeley soda tax resulted in price increases of less than expected, indicating consumer sensitivity. The study also showed that proximity to untaxed rival stores affects the pass-through of taxes to consumers.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Policy Analysis and Management·DateNov 3, 2016

Teens are less likely to select sugary beverages that contain health warning labels

A new study found that teens are 15% less likely to select sugary beverages with health warning labels. The study, led by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, suggests that warning labels can educate adolescents about the dangers of sugar-sweetened drinks and contribute to healthier choices.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateSep 8, 2016

Consuming too much fructose during pregnancy raises the child's risk for heart disease

A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that consuming high fructose during pregnancy increases the child's risk for heart disease. The research, conducted by UTMB researchers, showed that female offspring had higher peak glucose levels, blood pressure, and insulin resistance.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateApr 20, 2016

Couples' pre-pregnancy caffeine consumption linked to miscarriage risk

A study found that high caffeine consumption before conception and during early pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage. In contrast, taking a daily multivitamin reduces this risk. The researchers analyzed data from the LIFE Study and found that women who consumed more than two caffeinated beverages per day were more likely to misc...

Health warning labels may deter parents from purchasing sugar-sweetened beverages for kids

A new study found that health warning labels on sugar-sweetened beverages significantly reduce the likelihood of parents purchasing these drinks for their children, regardless of education level. The study also shows that these labels improve parents' understanding of the health dangers associated with overconsumption.

Buffet guilt

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab researchers found that diners paying less for all-you-can-eat buffets feel more physically uncomfortable and guilty compared to those paying more. The study suggests that consumers can mitigate these effects by opting for higher-priced buffets and healthier options.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalBMC Nutrition·DateDec 17, 2015

Dietary cocoa flavanols improve blood vessel function in patients with kidney dysfunction

Consuming a beverage rich in cocoa flavanols improves blood vessel function and reduces diastolic blood pressure in patients with kidney failure. Individuals with failing kidneys are at increased risk of developing heart problems, but diet-based therapeutic approaches to counteract cardiovascular disease are limited.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 17, 2015

Regular consumption of sugary drinks associated with type 2 diabetes

A recent study published in The BMJ found that regular consumption of sugary drinks is positively associated with type 2 diabetes, independent of obesity status. The study estimated that two million new-onset type 2 diabetes events in the US and 80,000 in the UK could be related to sugar sweetened beverage consumption over 10 years.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 21, 2015