The average American consumes 45 pounds of sugar per year, mostly in the form of sweetened beverages like soda, energy drinks, and so-called “fruit drinks.”

Why the quotes? Well, apparently “fruit drinks” need only contain a trace amount of actual fruit to earn their title. Even a beverage with less than 1 percent fruit juice qualifies!

But even more disturbing is the amount of empty calories and sugar these beverages contain, and thus, their probable contribution to childhood obesity.

Juice and soda companies target kids in their advertising. And unfortunately, all this advertising seems to be working. In 2010, 1/3 of all “fruit drinks” sold were for children.

To learn which companies are the worst offenders and how you can avoid the dangers of “fruit drinks,” check out the infographic below! (click the image for a larger version)

Image/Infographic Credit: healthscience.net