In January 2019 researchers from the USA published the results of their study to assess the association between beverage intake and body weight in preschool-age children. Information on beverage intake was collected from parents/guardians of children aged between 3-5 years via interview. Results showed that the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, particularly fruit drinks, was significantly higher in overweight/obese children when compared with their under/normal weight counterparts. Independent of body weight status, the preschool-age children were consuming on average over twice as much of the recommended intake of 100% fruit juice per day for that age group. It was also noted that nearly 80% of the overweight/obese children consumed low-fat or fat-free milk more frequently than other types of milk. The researchers concluded by stating that families with young children should be encouraged to increase water intake whilst reducing the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, limiting 100% fruit juice intake to the recommended 4-6 oz per day.
Charvet A, Huffman FG. Beverage Intake and Its Effect on Body Weight Status among WIC Preschool-Age Children. J Obes. 2019 Jan 16;2019:3032457.