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Liquid Sugar: Sugary Beverage Consumption Among Young California Children

Susan Babey, co-director of the Center’s Chronic Disease Program, and her co-author Joelle Wolstein, a Center research scientist, discussed findings from their latest fact sheet that reports nearly one in three young California children ― including some as young as two years old ― drink one or more sugar-sweetened beverages a day. They discussed the marketing of sugary beverages to kids and the disparities in consumption based on income and race and ethnicity. The authors also provided a sneak peek at their upcoming CHIS-based study that includes teen consumption rates in California. Sugar-sweetened beverages―such as soda, fruit drinks with added sugar, and sports and energy drinks ― are the largest source of added sugar in the diets of children and adults in the U.S. and contribute to Type 2 diabetes, obesity and tooth decay.

Speakers

Susan H. Babey

Susan H. Babey

Director of Research

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Joelle Wolstein

Joelle Wolstein

Research Scientist

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Thursday, May 28, 2026

Webinar // 12:00 PM — 1:00 PM

Navigating Our Future: Launch of the NHPI Social Determinants of Health Dashboard

Join us on Thursday, May 28, as the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) Data Policy Lab unveils the new and improved Social Determinants of Health dashboard, featuring detailed data on NHPI health and factors that shape health across all 58 California counties.

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