About half of Australian children drink sugary drinks every day. And, 17 per cent of teenagers consume more than 5.2kg of sugar each year from sugary drinks alone. Targeted marketing, widespread availability and discounting are thought to be the drivers of this consumption which can set kids up for a lifetime of health problems.
Here’s what to know:
- Over consumption of sugary drinks has been linked to an increased risk of cancer from weight gain. Recent studies have concluded however, that sugary soft drinks could increase cancer risk, no matter your weight.
- Sugary drinks are energy dense but provide no nutritional value to our diet. When we consume more kilojoules than our body needs this can lead to weight gain and obesity later in life. Obesity is a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and 13 types of cancer including endometrial, oesophageal, renal, gallbladder, bowel and postmenopausal.
- Artificially sweetened soft drinks are equally associated with higher waist circumference, although cancer risk is only higher among those who drink more sugar-sweetened soft drinks.
Remember:
- Sugary drinks include soft drinks as well as energy drinks, fruit drinks, sports drinks and cordial.
- Just one soft drink per day could increase your cancer risk and your risk of Type 2 diabetes.
- It’s best to hydrate with water or unsweetened drinks such as tea and coffee.
Read more about Can Too’s investment in cancer research
