Water’s Role as Part of a Healthy Lifestyle

While water is integral to proper bodily function, over the last 30 years, beverage choices have shifted to include less water and more sweetened beverages. This has caused a rapid increase in the number of calories Americans consume each day. Between 1965 and 2002, average caloric intake from beverages almost doubled, rising from 236 to 458 calories per day [Duffey and Popkin (November 2007), Obesity 15-11: 2739-2746]. Similarly, calories from sweetened beverages tripled—from 50 calories per day in 1977 to 144 calories per day in 2001 [Popkin et al (2006), American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 83: 529-542.

The increase in higher calorie consumption correlates with the rise in obesity rates in the U.S. Between 1976 and 1999, the obesity rate in America doubled from 15.1% to 30.5%, in large part due to higher calorie intake. Studies show that almost half of the increase is attributable to the consumption of higher-calorie packaged beverages [Nielsen et al (2002). Obesity Research 10: 370-378]. Today, Americans consume nearly 21% of their daily calories from packaged beverages compared to 10% in 1965 [Duffey and Popkin (November 2007), Obesity 15-11: 2739-2746]. As more than 75% of what people drink comes from a package, bottled water provides an important and healthful alternative to sugared and caloric drinks [Beverage Marketing Corporation, 2007].

To help people better understand the impacts of their beverage choices. The Beverage Guidance Panel, an expert panel of academics specializing in nutrition, obesity and epidemiology developed guidelines for appropriate beverage consumption. The Panel recommends that only 10% to 15% of an individual’s daily caloric intake come from beverages, the equivalent of about 200 to 300 calories(www.beverageguidancepanel.org). Using this guideline, no more than 20 ounces an individual’s daily beverage intake should come from sweetened beverages, such as fruit juice, sports drinks, alcohol or soda. The remainder should come from water, reduced-fat milk, unsweetened and other low-calorie beverages.