"We know that one of the major contributors to the childhood obesity epidemic is the over consumption of sugar sweetened beverages (SSB's). Examples of SSB's are soft drinks (pop), fruit "beverages" , "punches" or "cocktails" (bought or homemade), flavoured milk, sports drinks and flavoured coffees. These beverages are liquid candy and should rarely be served. 100% pure fruit juice does not contain added sugar but may well contribute to excess weight gain and portions should be limited. Aside from weight gain, a child who drinks too many SSB's may also have tooth decay, a small or picky appetite due to fullness from SSB's, and loose bowels or diarrhea due to problems digesting the sugars in the drinks."

http://www.childhoodobesityfoundation.ca/communities