Along with the growth of the sale of sodas, energy beverages and sports drinks has been the explosion of adult and childhood obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, cancer and stroke. The authors examine the industry's hold over the media and they look at the addictive and harmful ingredients added to the formulas. Scientific evidence is presented linking our growing consumption of soft drinks with our declining health.

Homeostasis and body chemistry -- How did we get here? -- The ingredients -- Soft drinks and other sweetened beverages -- Links to current health epidemics -- Soft drink addiction -- Marketing madness -- How to solve the problem -- Conclusion -- Glossary.