Shape Up America reports in its current issue on four new studies on the impact of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB's) on metabolism and body composition.

The studies reveal the damaging effects of sugar in liquid form on Americans' health. Replacing SSB's with water could save the average American about 235 calories per day...this alone could go a long ways toward reducing obesity and diabetes in the US.

The problems caused by SSB's are so significant, especially with respect to the young, that a national effort to impose a sugar excise tax is growing, supported by researchers and health care professionals. They're also looking at restricting advertising of SSB's to children and adolescents, similar to what's been the policy for tobacco for decades.