10 Diseases Linked to Soda

Saying ‘no’ to soda can be a challenge, especially when it’s in a cold perspiring bottle, waiting to be opened. Every can is packed with sweet bubbling goodness which you can pair with burger, fries, pizza, or all of them at once!

The following 10 diseases linked to soda should make you think twice about opening a can:

1. Obesity

The medical condition is characterized by excess weight resulting from accumulated fat throughout the body. It’s more severe than being overweight, and is defined by a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 30 kg/m². In the United States, 2 out of 3 adults and 1 in every 3 children are either overweight or obese. Studies show that soft drinks, along with other sugar laden beverages, are a major contributor to obesity.

Researchers discovered that increasing one’s daily intake of sugary drinks by 12 ounces leads to increased weight in adults. Another study found that children who drank an extra 12 ounces of soda each day had a 60 percent higher chance of becoming obese in the next two years. In a recent investigation, scientists learned that among people who were genetically inclined to obesity, those who drank soft drinks and other sugary beverages were more likely to be obese than those who did not.

Why it happens: A single can of soda (12 oz.) can have as much as 150 calories. Since beverages don’t give the same feeling of fullness as solid foods, you end up taking in more calories in a day. Soft drinks also increase a person’s appetite for other sweet and high-carbohydrate foods. Soda drinkers consume an average of 400 more calories each day.

How to prevent it: Drink water instead. It quenches thirst, hydrates, and cleanses the body at zero calories. You can also drink natural fruit and vegetable juices. They’re nutritious, satiating, and won’t make you fat.