Consuming sugary beverages has been linked to obesity, which threatens mind health because it increases the risk for depression and dementia.

A new study published in the journal Obesity offers some good news about this health-threatening habit.

Based on a representative sample of 18,000 children and adolescents ages 2 to 19 and more than 27,000 adults, the study showed that 61 percent of children and 50 percent of adults drank a sugary drink on any given day in 2014 — a decline from the 80 percent of children and 62 percent of adults back in 2003.

Subjects also showed a decrease in consuming fruit juices, which often contain high sugar levels and have been linked to higher risk of obesity.

Publicity about the dangers of obesity, improved federal nutrition programs in schools, and soda taxes imposed in some cities may explain these improved health behaviors.