Assemblymember Williams Introduces Bill that Supports Nationwide Movement Against Sugary Drinks to Fight Childhood Obesity

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SACRAMENTO - Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) introduced a bill last week that would ban the sale of sugary sports drinks from middle and high school campuses throughout California.

AB 1746 would amend existing education code that already bans the sale of sodas in schools. Sodas and other beverages high in sugar are among the most prominent factors contributing to our nation’s obesity epidemic.

"This bill aims to set the example of making healthful choices in life," Assemblymember Williams said. "Research shows that these sugary drinks directly relate to higher incidents of obesity and many youth - and adults - are still consuming them unnecessarily. These drinks should not be a replacement for water."

“Teachers have to do a tough enough job as it and I believe this will give a little help. A 32 ounce sports drink has 14 teaspoons of sugar, kids jacked up on that much sugar have a harder time learning.”

Specifically, sports drinks or electrolyte replacement beverages are designed to replace fluids after vigorous exercise and generally contain sodium and potassium to help fluids absorb in the body. Even after strenuous exercise (continuous exercise for more than 60 minutes) research indicates that sports drinks serve no added benefit over water.

These sports drinks are already banned from elementary school campuses.

"Sports drinks are an inappropriate option for California students. They were designed for athletes who have been sweating for an hour or more, not for children as they walk across campus or eat their lunch. Assemblymember Williams’ bill will close a loophole that has allowed the beverage industry to continue using California public schools to sell products that contribute to childhood obesity and diabetes," said Dr. Harold Goldstein, Executive Director of the California Center for Public Health (CCPHA).

"One in three California students is overweight or obese. We know that sugar-sweetened beverages, including sports drinks, are a major contributor to the problem," James T. Hay, M.D., President, California Medical Association said. "There is a common misconception that sports drinks, also known as “electrolyte replacement beverages," are healthy, yet many contain high fructose corn syrup and/or other calorie-laden sweeteners that have been linked to the rise in childhood obesity, the primary cause of type-2 diabetes. CMA is pleased to join Assemblymember Williams and the other groups committed to public health in sponsoring this bill."

CCPHA and the California Medical Association are sponsors of AB 1746.

In addition to this piece of legislation, Assemblymember Williams is also supporting the national Kick the Can campaign, a project of the California Center for Public Health Advocacy. By going to Assemblymember Williams’ web site, http://assembly.ca.gov/Williams and following the link to www.kickthecan.info, visitors can access a variety of information and advocacy tools to learn more about these sugary beverages, the marketing of them and how to make more healthful choices.

Below are links to audio of Assemblymember Williams:

Assemblymember Das Williams explains what AB 1746 will do. (:26)

Assemblymember Das Williams the amount of sugar in one bottle of sport drink is equal to 22 Starburst candies. (:09)

Assemblymember Das Williams sport drinks are for marathoners, not kids. (:14)

Assemblymember Das Williams says not only does a sugary sport drink contribute to the obesity epidemic, it also reduces a student’s ability to focus in class. (:17)

Assemblymember Williams Warns of Health Dangers of Sports Drinks

(Sacramento) -- Many parents may be under the false impression that sports drinks are healthier for their children than sodas. California State Assemblymember Das Williams says that's not the case. In fact, sports drinks are just as bad for children as other sugary drinks. That's why Assemblymember Williams has authored Assembly Bill 1746. AB 1746 would ban the sale of sports drinks on school campuses. The sale of sodas is already banned. If passed, AB 1746 would close the loophole that allows sports drinks to be sold to students.

Contact: James Joyce III, (805) 483-9808