A recent study highlights the alarming impact of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) on global health, revealing stark disparities in consumption patterns across different regions. The research, which examined data from various countries, found that SSBs significantly contribute to the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In 2020 alone, these sugary drinks accounted for an estimated 9.8% of type 2 diabetes cases and 3.1% of cardiovascular disease cases worldwide. The study underscores the urgent need for public health interventions targeting SSB consumption, especially in high-consumption regions like Latin America and the Caribbean.
Latin America and the Caribbean topped the charts with an average weekly consumption of 7.3 sugar-sweetened beverages per person. Within this region, Colombia stood out with a staggering 17.4 average weekly consumption per person. In stark contrast, countries in South Asia, such as China, India, and Bangladesh, reported significantly lower averages of just 0.7 and 0.2 sugar-sweetened beverages per week, respectively. These consumption patterns reflect cultural differences and varying levels of awareness about the health risks associated with sugary drinks.
The research highlighted that sugary drinks were responsible for approximately 2.2 million new cases of type 2 diabetes and 1.2 million new cases of cardiovascular disease in 2020. These beverages also contributed to weight gain, further exacerbating health issues. The impact was notably higher among men and individuals living in urban areas due to higher consumption rates and an increased baseline risk for CVD. On average, globally, individuals consumed just over two and a half eight-ounce sugar-sweetened beverages each week, though this varied across regions.
In terms of mortality, the researchers estimated that in 2020, SSBs were responsible for around 5.1% of deaths from type 2 diabetes and 2.1% of deaths from CVD. Mexico, Colombia, and South Africa had the highest number of type 2 diabetes and CVD cases attributable to sugar-sweetened beverages. Over the past three decades, there has been a global increase of 1.3% in type 2 diabetes cases linked to SSBs, with sub-Saharan Africa experiencing the most significant rise during this period.
Latin America and the Caribbean faced a particularly severe impact, with about 24% of new type 2 diabetes cases and approximately 11% of new CVD cases attributed to SSB consumption. The study also pointed out a gap in data regarding sweetened teas, which could mean an underestimation of their impact, especially in Asian countries where such beverages are popular.
Laura Lara-Castor, a lead researcher on the study, emphasized the need for prompt action.
“If we do not act promptly with strategies to decrease SSB [sugar-sweetened beverage] intakes, we will see a continued rise in the attributable cardiometabolic burdens. This will continue to impose not only a decreased quality of life of the people with the disease and their caregivers, but also to the countries’ economy, given a decreased individual productivity and increased medical expenses.” — Laura Lara-Castor
She further highlighted the importance of targeted public policies.
“There will need to be coordinated public-policy efforts around the world to limit sugary drink intake. As this study shows, sugary drink intake differs in different parts of the world by various demographics. This provides an opportunity to enact targeted public policies depending on the region to improve health outcomes.” — Laura Lara-Castor
Lara-Castor advises individuals to reconsider their beverage choices.
“I always recommend that people avoid drinking their calories and instead, just opt for water. Homemade unsweetened iced tea or sparkling waters are also okay to consume in moderation, but sugary beverages really have no place in a healthy diet.” — Laura Lara-Castor
Health expert Karen Z. Berg also shared strategies for reducing soda intake.
“There are two ways to drink less soda and avoid sugary beverages. You can make a serious effort to give these things up cold turkey and just stick to water, or you can do so gradually. I think flavoring seltzer with fresh or frozen fruit is a great way to get the carbonation people crave, with some flavor you can feel good about.” — Karen Z. Berg
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