Scientific American-Kids Gulp 7 Trillian Calories Per Year

According to studies done at Harvard School of Public Health, kids ages two to 19 drink around seven trillion calories per year. Money wise, it about 24 billion dollars a year in sugar sweetened drinks. With all of the types of drinks out there, the rise in childhood obesity is fast. In the U.S., 17 percent of children are obese and the sugary drinks aren't helping. Studies also suggest that obese children will have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease when adults. An upside is that if 64 calories are cut off a day it could help a great deal.

When I think of sugary drinks, soda isn't the only thing that comes to mind. Juices also have a lot of sugar in them. I used to drink a lot of soda all the time. I have cut down to a can a day and sometimes, I try not to drink any at all. Kids, especially need to drink more water, it so much better for them and if that’s all that is around, it'll be easier for them.