USA – The latest research to combat the rising rates of childhood obesity advises parents to look at their children’s drinking habits rather than eating tendencies.

A study presented at the Experimental Biology scientific conference and funded by the Milk Processor Education Program, found that US children drink more soda and fruit drinks as they get older, but less milk.

By the time children become adolescents, they are drinking about twice as many sugary sodas and fruit drinks as milk.

“Our study found that milk consumption steadily declines, which may prevent older children and teenagers from consuming the nutrients they need for growth and development,” said lead researcher Mary Murphy of ENVIRON Health Sciences Institute.