The study sample consisted of 560 children, 8 to 13 years old. The mean age of the respondents was 10.5 years (standard deviation ±1.19), with an equal distribution of boys and girls (51% and 49%, respectively). Children from 23 states in the United States (including states in the East, West, South, Midwest, and Alaska) were represented in the sample.
Approximately 30% of the respondents reported drinking soft drinks daily and 85% reported they usually drink regular (nondiet) soft drinks (Table 1). Soft drink consumption was higher among boys compared with girls (P=.03), and intake increased with age (P