White bread, previously reported as the leading source of calories in the average American diet, has been dethroned; according to a study’s preliminary findings, soft drinks and sweet drinks have successfully taken over.

Researchers studied the reported diets of a large nationwide sample of American adults. Among respondents of the 1999-2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES):

• More than two-thirds reported drinking enough soda or sweet drinks to supply them with a greater proportion of daily calories than any other food.

• Those who consumed sweet drinks had higher obesity rates.

Researchers are hopeful that by helping to identify the leading sources of excess energy in the American diet, the results may contribute to the development of strategies needed to fight obesity.

Additional Supporting Evidence

The above findings aren’t the only strikes against soda and sweet drinks. According to the American Dietetic Association, relying on a soft drink to satisfy thirst cravings could waste a good deal of your daily calorie allotment.

Consider this: Most adults need about 1,600-2,400 calories a day and the average, 64-ounce "Big Gulp" non-diet sweet drink sold at convenience stores can account for as much as 800 calories in just one serving.

Therefore, how many calories are left for much-needed nutritious foods? Not much.

Science Blog May 27, 2005

Herald-Dispatch.com May 25, 2005