Which strategies help cut consumption of sugary beverages in young children?

An Obesity Reviews analysis of published studies reveals strategies that can successfully reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in young children.

Successful strategies included in-person individual education, in-person group education, passive education (e.g., pamphlets), use of technology, training for childcare/healthcare providers, and changes to the physical access of beverages.

The analysis included 27 studies that were conducted exclusively among children aged 0 to 5 years to reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.

"Although we've seen some declines in the past decade, sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among young children in the United States remains unacceptably high," said lead author Kelsey Vercammen, of the Harvard T. H Chan School of Public Health. "Since these drinks have been linked to weight gain and other negative health effects, it is critically important to identify successful strategies to reduce consumption."