Beverage Council dismisses soft drinks/obesity link
07/06/2006 - 15:46:56
The Beverage Council of Ireland has slammed a media report linking the consumption of soft drinks in Ireland and obesity.
The representative body for the soft drinks, bottled water and fruit juice industry in Ireland said there was "no justification for the description of our consumption of soft drinks as a problem".
"In fact, independent Irish research carried out by IUNA (an academic body made up of three nutrition units from UCC, the University of Ulster and Trinity College Dublin) shows that carbonated fizzy drinks make up only 2.8% of the total energy intake of Irish children.
"There is absolutely no way therefore, that soft drinks can be singled out as a major contributory factor in the rise of obesity in Ireland."
A spokesman for the council added that, of the 109 litres of carbonated or fizzy drinks consumed in 2005, 25% were diet or low sugar varieties and that, according to the IUNA research, the average energy intake from carbonated drinks in children’s diets is 49 kcals per day. The total average energy intake for a child in Ireland is 1,656 kcals per day.
Consultant nutritionist at the Blackrock Clinic Dr Mary McCreery said: "There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that fizzy drinks cause obesity. National Irish statistics as compiled by IUNA show that Irish adults are only getting 2% of their total energy intake from fizzy drinks, while children are only getting 2.8% of their calories from that source.
"It is unhelpful to the serious debate which needs to take place around the issue of obesity to suggest such a simplistic cause and effect.
"In relation to sugar intake, research actually shows that those with a higher intake of sugar in their diet are less likely to be obese that those with a high fat diet. In addition, research also shows that in general obese adults and children tend to prefer more savoury foods and have less of a sweet tooth.
"Soft drinks are not the issue – obesity is caused by a range of factors and a weight-reducing diet to treat patients who are overweight is not the same advice that is required for the general population.
“A balanced diet and active lifestyle are key to good health for adults and children alike.
“Fluids are vital for life – for active children as well as adults. They provide the environment for all processes within the body and water is the main ingredient of all soft drinks. Most soft drinks are between 85% and 90% water. Fruit juices are on average 90% water."
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