UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.—The amount of sugary beverages a girl drinks at young age predicts obesity later in life, according to a new study from Pennsylvania State University (Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Oct;90(4):935-42). The longitudinal study composed of 170 non-Hispanic white girls who were assessed biennially from age 5 to 15 years. At each assessment, beverage intake (milk, fruit juice and sweetened beverages) and energy intake were assessed. Sweetened beverage intake at age 5 years, but not milk or fruit juice intake, was positively associated with obesity from age 5 to 15 years. Greater consumption of sweetened beverages at 5 (2 servings or more servings each day) was associated with a higher percentage body fat, waist circumference and weight status.