Effect of Artificial Sweeteners on Obesity Risk in Children

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1 out of every 3 children aged 2 to 19 years is overweight or obese in the United States.2 Rates differ for various groups from state to state but remain high across the board nationally. [...]a study of224 adolescents involved random placement of participants within 2 groups. Let's Go! is a nationally recognized childhood obesity- prevention program that has been put into action in Maine and a few communities in surrounding states.19 This program encourages families to eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, limit screen time to 1 hour of physical activity per day, and restrict sugary drinks while increasing water consumption. Since this program has been implemented, Let's Go! sites have seen a significant reduction in the amount of sugary beverages provided to children with an increase in water consumption. The organization works with food and beverage companies that provide food for schools. Since developing a nutrition guideline and collaborating with the beverage companies to help reduce obesity, a 90% decrease in beverage calories shipped to schools was realized between 2004 and 2010.