Health groups: Surgeon General should denounce soda

A coalition of health groups is urging the U.S. Surgeon General to release a report on the health risks of drinking soda.

The push comes as U.S. officials debate strategies to address rising obesity levels and a range of related health problems.

"Once viewed as an occasional treat, sugary drinks have become a routine, daily beverage for tens of millions of Americas," the health groups wrote to federal Health secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Thursday.

"Americans now need a wake-up call with regard to the impact of sugary drink consumption on the health, economy and national security of our country."

The letter suggests a Surgeon General's Report that would discuss the science of sugar addiction and propose federal, state and local policies to counter it.

"The report would pave the way for policy measures at all levels of government and for widespread voluntary actions in the private sector to reduce health," the letter states.

The groups predicted that the outcome of such an effort would mirror the landmark 1964 Surgeon General's "Report on Smoking and Health," which many say helped turn the tide on American tobacco use.

The letter was co-signed by nearly 100 national and local health, medical and consumer organizations as well as local U.S. health departments.