California Lawmakers Hear Testimony on Sweetened Beverages

Nearly 20 organizations reportedly testified last week about the purported link between sugar-sweetened beverages and obesity at a special joint hearing of California’s Senate Select Committee on Obesity and Diabetes and the Senate Health Committee.

Several researchers reportedly linked sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and obesity, but an American Beverage Association representative cited research showing that 5.5 percent of calories come from sweetened beverages and that a lack of exercise and other foods also contribute to obesity. She said that solely targeting soft drinks will fail to properly address the obesity issue, claiming research has shown that half of adults who don’t consume soft drinks are also overweight.

Senator Elaine Alquist (D-San Jose) reportedly chided industry representatives: “To be told that all calories are equal, that sweetened soda pop is not contributing to obesity . . . the public is not stupid. We know you can do better.” See The Los Angeles Times; Reuters, November 5, 2009.