There is a clear link between obesity and the consumption of sodas and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs).

The good news is that soda consumption in the United States has fallen, according to a recent study by the Harvard School of Public Health.

The bad news, however, is that consumption of soda and SSBs remain high among people of color including African-American, Latino and non-Mexican Hispanic populations. This is troubling news as these communities more often than not lack access to health care.

Researchers conducted the study from 2003 to 2014, and based their conclusions on collected data from 18,600 children aged 2 to 19, and 27,652 adults aged 20 or older.

The study also notes one positive trend: More people (ranging from young children to adults) are drinking milk and water.

Read the entire study by the Harvard School of Public Health here.