“Did you know that one sugar-sweetened beverage per day can equal an extra 25 pounds of weight per year?” questions Melissa Orgill of the Idaho State University Wellness Center.
The wellness center recently set up a display detailing the consequences of drinking popular sugar-sweetened beverages. The display, currently shown in Reed Gym, features containers hung under popular sweetened beverages, each container holds the amount of sugar found in the drink. For example, a Monster energy drink contains 16.25 teaspoons of sugar, and that amount of sugar is displayed under the drink. “People wouldn’t necessarily sit down at a table and eat 16.25 teaspoons of sugar,” says Orgill. “I think a lot of the time people don’t know that there’s all this sugar.”
Orgill says the display “gives people a visual,” which she believes is helpful because “a lot of people learn visually.” Other drinks featured in the display include Full Throttle energy drinks, Coca-Cola, Mountain Dew Live Wire, Powerade and chocolate milk. Recent national discussion of Type 2 Diabetes and super-sized drinks sparked this display.
“We felt this was a pertinent time,” Orgill comments. “Obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer are on the rise in our nation and college campuses are no exception. Encouraging students to re-think their drinks is a great way to start combating this problem.”
But the Wellness Center wants others to understand that Type 2 Diabetes and obesity aren’t the only possible side effects of sugary beverages.
Those who drink sugary beverages have nearly twice the chance of dental issues like cavities or overall dental decay, muscle dysfunctions, bone demineralization and softening, condensed bone mass and reduced calcium levels in the bones and blood.
The Wellness Center also says, “for each additional sugar-sweetened drink a child consumes a day the risk of obesity jumps by 60 percent.” While diet beverages are often chosen over non-diet in an attempt at healthiness, Orgill cautions that diet beverages can be equally damaging.
“They’re just not healthy,” she says. “Water is the best choice”
Orgill offers facts to help refute the claim that diet sodas are better for you.
“Studies show a direct link between diet soda and weight gain,” she explains. “Consuming diet soda increases your risk of stroke, osteoporosis and type two diabetes. Also, it is hard on your kidneys and it dissolves the calcium in tooth enamel.” Orgill is emphatic in her belief that water is the best choice.
“We recommend carrying a water bottle every day. You can add slices of fruit or cucumber to your water.”
Orgill also suggests choosing plain sparkling water with the addition of a splash of juice. “Plain milk instead of flavored is another good way to cut out the sugar,” she explains. The Wellness Center is committed to providing health-related advice and help to students at ISU.
“You can come see a personal trainer for free, a registered dietician for free, and you can get a fitness assessment for free,” Orgill enthuses. “Students are welcome to stop by any time and we can provide them with more information.” The Wellness Center is located in Room 205A in Reed Gym. Its hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office can be reached at 282-2117, or found at isu.edu/wellness.
