[20141006]IN10162_饮料行业承诺减少美国人的饮料卡路里.pdf

CRS InsightsBeverage Industry Pledges to Reduce Americans Drink CaloriesAgata Dabrowska, Analyst in Health Policy (adabrowskacrs.loc.gov, 7-9455)October 6, 2014 (IN10162)Obesity rates in the United States remain high, with roughly two-thirds of adults and one-third ofchildren overweight or obese. The estimated annual health care costs of obesity-related illness areapproaching $200 billion, and this has been characterized as the first generation of children who maynot outlive their parents.Congress and the Obama Administration have shown a strong interest in developing policies to addressthe obesity epidemic. Various legislative, regulatory, and industry initiatives have been proposed,including efforts targeting sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. The term sugar-sweetenedbeverages refers to drinks sweetened with sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, or other caloricsweeteners. They are considered a source of empty calories and have been implicated as a significantcontributor to the obesity epidemic. Although there is no recommended amount for sugar intake, theWorld Health Organization proposes that sugars should comprise less than 10% of daily calories. Asingle 12 ounce can of soda pro