The global intake of sugar-sweetened beverages is rising among children and teenagers: Study

A recently published study in the journal BMJ, A new global analysis of the dietary habits of children and adolescents from 185 countries revealed that youth, on average, consumed nearly 23% more sugar-sweetened beverages in 2018 compared to 1990. Overall, intakes were similar in boys and girls, but higher in teens, urban residents, and children of parents with lower levels of education.

The study drew from the Global Dietary Database, a large comprehensive compilation of what people around the world eat or drink, to generate the first global estimates and trends of sugar-sweetened beverage intake in youth. These were defined as soda, juice drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, and home-sweetened fruit drinks such as aguas frescas with added sugars and containing more than 50 kcal per 1 cup serving.

The research team found that youth were drinking more and had nearly twice the overall intake of adults. Sugar-sweetened beverage intake among young people varied dramatically by region, averaging 3.6 servings per week globally and ranging from 1.3 servings per week in South Asia to 9.1 in Latin America and the Caribbean. The researchers found that children and teens in 56 countries, representing 238 million young people or 10% of the global youth population, averaged 7 or more servings per week.

In recent years, many governments worldwide have been implementing measures such as soda taxes and restrictions on the sale of sugary drinks in schools to promote healthy dietary habits. These efforts are new and also face strong opposing forces such as aggressive industry marketing and the globalisation of the food sector.

It is concluded that the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is on the rise globally among children and teenagers, posing significant public health concerns. The increasing consumption of SSBs is associated with various adverse health outcomes, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dental cavities. The findings emphasise the urgent need for effective public health strategies and policies to reduce SSB consumption in young populations, such as educational campaigns, taxation, and restrictions on marketing targeted at children and adolescents. Addressing this growing trend is crucial for improving the long-term health and well-being of future generations.

References: Wang Y, Lobstein T. Worldwide trends in childhood overweight and obesity. Int J Pediatr Obes 2006;1:11–25 [PubMed] [Google Scholar]