AMA adopts policy to reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages

With consistent evidence showing a link between consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and an increase in type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease, the American Medical Association (AMA) today adopted policy during its Annual Meeting, as part of a comprehensive report on SSBs, aimed at reducing the amount of sugar Americans consume.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), on average, Americans get 16 percent of their total calories from added sugars that provide no nutrient value and are often referred to as “empty calories.” A recent JAMA study also found that a majority of U.S. adults consume more added sugar than recommended for a healthy diet.