Many times we may look at a study and think that the results could easily have been anticipated.  Yet, there are many examples when our assumptions are flat-out wrong.

A recent study (Pediatrics 2013; 132: 413-20 -thanks to Jeff Lewis for this reference) helps solidify what we think we already knew, namely that sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) contribute to weight gain in young children.  This study showed that 2-5 year-olds, followed in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey–Birth Cohort (n=9600), who had more frequent SSB consumption had higher BMI z scores by age four (P < .05) than infrequent/nondrinkers of SSB.  This study, for the first time, shows this effect in this younger population.

Related blog posts:

• Eliminating sweetened beverages to help obesity | gutsandgrowth
• Fizzy Drinks and Sugar Intake | gutsandgrowth
• Psychology of obesity and food addiction | gutsandgrowth
• Will salt intake make you fat? | gutsandgrowth
• Lunchroom Makeover | gutsandgrowth