Dept. of Public Health Launches Campaign to Karate Chop Sugary Drinks from Obese Hands
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is asking residents, "You wouldn't eat 22 packs of sugar. Why are you drinking them?" This question was posed today as the department launched its first-ever sugar-loaded drink awareness campaign, RENEW LA County. Alarmed by the release of data on obesity and sugary beverage consumption in L.A. County, the department deemed informing the public of the amount of sugar in drinks - sodas, sports and energy - and how ingestion of these deadly sweet beverages directly impacts obesity as a crucial obligation.
The campaign unveiled its mission this morning at Camino Nuevo Early Childhood Education Center. Hosted by Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, director and health officer of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health; Celia C. Ayala, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Los Angeles Universal Preschool; and Araceli Rosas, champion mom for the Network for a Healthy California Champions for Change program, the gathering detailed new trend data plus strategies to combat the local epidemic.
“If we’re serious about doing something about the disturbing obesity trend, we have to start with the biggest culprits,” said Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, director and health officer of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in today's release. “There is a tremendous lack of awareness about the amount of sugar in these drinks. Our goal is to empower all county residents - especially parents and caregivers - so they can make informed decisions about their drink choices for themselves and their families.”
Below are some alarming numbers from two campaign releases, guaranteed to wake up or at least stir the masses.
In L.A. County, childhood obesity prevalence among school-aged children (5th, 7th and 9th grades) is approximately 23%.For younger children, obesity rates have increased from 16.7% in 2003 to 21.8% in 2008.
A child’s risk for obesity increases 60% with every additional daily serving of a sugar-loaded drink.
Approximately 58% of adult residents are overweight or obese.
In L.A. County, more than 43% of children ages 17 years or younger consume at least one sugar-loaded drink on an average day.
Young adults ages 18-24: 70.8% drink at least one soda or sweetened drink per day.
Latinos: 51.2% drink at least one soda or sweetened drink per day.
African Americans: 48% drink at least one soda or sweetened drink per day.
Residents of South L.A.: 56.2% drink at least one soda or sweetened drink per day.
Residents of East L.A.: 54% drink at least one soda or sweetened drink per day.
Low-income residents: 52.2% drink at least one soda or sweetened drink per day.
The obesity issue not only directly impacts L.A. County residents, it also effects the county's economy. Health care and lost productivity resulting from overweight and obesity cost the county nearly $6 billion annually.
Additional data by region and ethnicity can be viewed online. Videos on the Choose Health LA website show viewers the shocking amount of sugar contained in the said trio of beverages.
Knowledge is power, and we hope Angelenos are listening, reading, watching, learning, retaining and acting.
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