A new study on soda consumption in California underscores a cornerstone concern of the Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program (CCROPP), housed at California State University, Fresno.

One of the project’s goals is improving access to affordable, healthful alternatives to foods that contribute to obesity, as sugar-sweetened sodas do. The need for more food options is greatest in areas where poverty is greatest.

“Bubbling Over: Soda Consumption and Its Link to Obesity in California” was published today, Sept. 17, by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research and the California Center for Public Health Advocacy.

The study found that 24.3 percent of California adults, 62.2 percent of adolescents (ages 12-17) and 41.2 percent of children (2-11) drink one or more sodas daily.

In the eight-county region served by CCROPP, soda consumption among adults ranged from 39.1 percent in Kings County to 26.6 in San Joaquin County.

San Joaquin County led the region’s adolescent soda drinkers at 77.8 percent, while Kings County was below the state average at 57.7 percent.

Madera County children also were below the state average with 39.9 percent, while 57.2 percent of Kings County children drank at least one soda a day.

CCROPP partners have found that high soda consumption rates in the region may be related in part to water shortages caused by drought and poor drinking-water quality in some areas.

The study recommends limiting soft-drink vending machines in hospitals, workplaces, government buildings and places of worship and providing only healthful beverages at city- or county-sponsored gatherings likely to attract children and adolescents. The study also recommends surcharges and taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages with revenue targeted on information campaigns, obesity prevention and after-school programs.

CCROPP is a partnership among Fresno State’s College of Health and Human Services, public health departments and community-based organizations in Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare counties.

CCROPP is funded by The California Endowment.

Related links:

Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program

UCLA Study