American Snacking Out of Control, Like a Fourth Meal
By: Becky Bracken
Published: June 23, 2011

Americans are serious about their snacks. In fact, the average American consumes 580 calories a day in snacks, according to a new study. That's essentially like eating a daily fourth meal. No wonder American's are piling on the pounds. 
The biggest calorie cuprit: sugary beverages. 
Richard D Mattes, a professor at Purdue who did the research says 25 percent of American's daily caloric intake is from snacks, especially beverages. 
"There has been a significant increase in the amount of calories consumed through beverages," Mattes says in a statement.