Adults and children alike are consuming sugar-sweetened beverages at a dramatically increased rate, possibly contributing to an obesity epidemic and a growing risk of type-2 diabetes.

Soda is an obvious example, yet many fruit and sport drinks are also high in sugar, and the labeling on these can be misleading.

Some of the new flavored waters suggest they are fortified and healthy, even though the two main ingredients are water and sugar. These beverages, consumed at home, school and work, sometimes add as much as 350 calories to a person’s daily intake.

When calories exceed the recommended daily average, or when consumed instead of a balanced meal plan they can cause a person’s weight to sneak up without meeting nutritional requirements. Nutritionists often guide dieters to avoid empty calories – those that provide no or minimal nutritional benefit. Reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption may be an important strategy for reducing empty calorie intake and for promoting healthy eating while preventing excess weight gain.

Focus on drinking more water, and eating more fruits and vegetables as snacks in between meals.