There were major differences in adult consumption rates by county, the study discovered. Residents of the lowest soda consuming counties of Marin, San Francisco, Yolo and San Mateo drink far less soda than their counterparts in the heaviest drinking counties of Kings, Madera, Kern and Imperial. Nevertheless, the soda/obesity linkage still holds true “ those who consume large amounts of soda, regardless of where they live, suffer disproportionally from obesity and overweight.

If we are serious about tackling the obesity crisis, cutting back soda consumption has to be the top priority, Goldstein asserts. Parents, communities, businesses and government all have a role to play in helping to reduce consumption. We cannot afford to raise another Pepsi Generation. ™

Funding for the study was provided by The California Endowment, a private statewide health foundation that is a national leader in the childhood obesity prevention movement.

"This research clearly shows the very serious health risks of drinking soda and other sweetened beverages. I hope policymakers will read this report closely and think about what they can do to combat the obesity epidemic that is clearly tied to consuming too many sodas," says Dr. Robert K. Ross, president and CEO of The California Endowment.

The full text of the study is available on the CCPHA Web site at: publichealthadvocacy/bubblingover.html.

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