Pilot Project Shows That Teens Can Reduce Consumption Of Sugary Drinks

Researchers focusing on the health and dietary patterns of people in Appalachia developed a pilot interventional program that significantly reduced consumption of sugar sweetened beverages among teenagers. High concentrations of chronic diabetes and obesity are found among the 25 million people of Appalachia – a region that stretches from the southern tier of New York to northern Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. The pilot program used surveys, focus groups and community health advocates to create a “Sodabriety” challenge for teens: give up or reduce consumption of sugary drinks for 30 days. According to the researchers, the project worked because teens “motivated each other in ways that showed a sense of ownership and pride."