A study undertaken by scientists at St. George’s, University of London, has concluded that there is a link between salt and sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption in children and adolescents. A link between soft drinks and obesity in children is widely accepted.

Even soft drinks with artificial sweeteners have been linked to weight gain. According to an article published in Hypertension, a publication of the American Heart Association.

The researchers stated: If salt intake in children in the United Kingdom was reduced by half, there would be an average reduction of 2.3 sugar-sweetened soft drinks per week per child.

A reduction in salt intake could, therefore, play a role in helping to reduce childhood obesity through its effect on sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption. This would have a beneficial effect on preventing cardiovascular disease independent of and additive to the effect of salt reduction on blood pressure.
It would be a fine start to eliminate salty snacks and soft drinks from all public schools as.

A helping hand to concerned parents. Parents might also set a good example by eliminating salty snacks and soft drinks from their homes, a small sacrifice to protect children from obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.