(Murray, Ky.) — Kentucky teenagers have the second-highest rate of heavy soda consumption in the United States, with nearly one in five teens drinking soda multiple times daily, according to a new health data analysis released by PARequirements.com.
The comprehensive report, which examined the latest CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey data from across most states, found that 18.5% of Kentucky teens reported consuming soda two or more times per day — significantly higher than the national average.
Southern States Dominate Rankings
Kentucky joins several other Southern states at the top of the concerning list. West Virginia leads the nation in teen soda consumption, followed by Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. This regional clustering highlights what researchers describe as significant “health and wellness gaps” between different areas of the country.
The findings contrast sharply with consumption patterns in New England and the Northeast, where teens show markedly lower soda intake rates. Massachusetts reported the lowest levels of heavy soda consumption nationwide, with only 5% of teens drinking soda multiple times daily. Other low-consumption states include New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.
National Picture Shows Mixed Patterns
Nationally, approximately 15% of teens consume soda at least once per day, with about 9% drinking two or more sodas daily. On the positive side, nearly one-third of American teenagers (31%) report not drinking soda at all.
However, health experts warn that regular, excessive soda consumption among adolescents can contribute to childhood obesity and diabetes — conditions that often persist into adulthood and create long-term health challenges.
Public Health Implications
The report’s authors emphasize that while moderate soda consumption may be relatively safe, the high rates of daily consumption among Kentucky teens represent a significant public health concern. The data reveals how seemingly simple dietary choices can create substantial regional disparities in youth health outcomes.
“Our goal is to raise awareness of this issue and demonstrate how something as simple as soda consumption can lead to greater health and wellness gaps with kids across different regions of the country,” researchers noted in their analysis.
The findings add to growing concerns about childhood nutrition and obesity rates, particularly in Southern states where traditional diets and cultural factors may contribute to higher consumption of sugary beverages.
As Kentucky education and health officials review these results, the data provides a clear benchmark for potential intervention programs aimed at reducing excessive soda consumption among the state’s teenagers.