A recent study from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, published in Nature Communications, has shed light on the alarming increase in the consumption of sugary drinks worldwide. Over a period of 28 years, there has been a significant 16% rise in the global consumption of these beverages. The research, which utilized dietary survey data, found notable regional and age-related variations in consumption patterns. According to the study conducted by the Friedman School at Tufts University, geographical location plays a crucial role in determining the likelihood of consuming sugary drinks.
The analysis, which encompassed data from the Global Dietary Database for the years 1990, 2005, and 2018, revealed that the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has increased globally, but with considerable regional differences. The study points out the health risks associated with these drinks, including obesity and cardiometabolic diseases, which contribute significantly to global mortality and disability. Various national guidelines advocate for the reduction of added sugars in diets, often less than 5 to 10% of daily caloric intake, leading some countries to impose taxes on these drinks.
The research offers insights into the consumption patterns of sugar-sweetened beverages, including soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, punch, lemonade, and aguas frescas, across 185 countries. The study observed higher consumption among males and younger individuals, with education and rural/urban residency playing varying roles depending on the region. In certain regions, adults with higher education levels consumed more sugary beverages, while the opposite trend was noted in others.
At a national level, countries like Mexico, Ethiopia, the United States, and Nigeria recorded the highest weekly consumption of these drinks. The study’s lead author, Laura Lara-Castor, highlights the significant regional variations and the need for more effective interventions, such as marketing regulations, food labeling, and soda taxes, to curb consumption.
The Global Dietary Database also indicated a link between sugary drink consumption and socio-economic status, with notable increases and fluctuations in different regions over time. The underlying causes for these trends, though not explicitly identified in the study, are hypothesized to be linked to marketing strategies, the perception of Western diets, and access to clean water.
The research calls for more in-depth studies to assess the intake of sugary drinks among children and adolescents, to evaluate the global impact of soda taxes, and to understand the variations across different subpopulations within countries. Future research aims to explore the role of other sweetened beverages in consumption habits.
The study, titled “Sugar-sweetened beverage intakes among adults between 1990 and 2018 in 185 countries,” was published on October 3, 2023, in Nature Communications.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sugary Drink Consumption Trends
What Does the Friedman School Study Reveal About Global Sugary Drink Consumption?
The study by the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, published in Nature Communications, reveals a 16% global increase in sugary drink consumption over 28 years. This increase varies widely by region, with the highest intake observed in Latin America and the Caribbean. The study uses data from the Global Dietary Database and highlights the public health risks associated with sugary drinks, including obesity and cardiometabolic diseases.
How Do Consumption Patterns of Sugary Drinks Vary Regionally?
The study found that consumption rates of sugary beverages vary significantly by region. In 2018, the average global consumption was 2.7 servings per week, but this ranged from as low as 0.7 servings in South Asia to as high as 7.8 servings in Latin America and the Caribbean. These variations are influenced by socio-economic factors and regional preferences.
What Are the Health Risks Associated with Sugary Drinks?
Sugary drinks are linked to several health risks, primarily obesity and cardiometabolic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. These conditions are among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. The study underscores the importance of limiting added sugar in diets as per many national guidelines.
Which Countries Have the Highest Consumption of Sugary Drinks?
According to the study, countries with the highest weekly consumption of sugary drinks include Mexico, Ethiopia, the United States, and Nigeria. This data provides insight into national consumption patterns and can inform targeted health policies and interventions.
What Future Research Does the Study Suggest?
The study suggests the need for further research to assess sugary drink intake among children and adolescents, evaluate the impact of soda taxes globally, and understand consumption differences across subpopulations in various countries. Additionally, the study aims to explore how other sweetened beverages, like flavored milk, coffees, and teas, factor into overall consumption habits.
More about Sugary Drink Consumption Trends
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy
- Nature Communications Study
- Global Dietary Database
- Health Risks of Sugary Drinks
- National Guidelines on Added Sugar
5 comments
more reseach needed. kids, soda taxes, why people drink more in some places. importnt questions!
wow, intresting study! it’s crazy how sugary drink consumption gone up so much in 28 years. i kno it’s bad for health.
health risk impotant! sugary drinks linkd to obesiity, heart problem. 16% rise is bad news for health.
wht about coffee and tea? not good as soda, but still sweet drinks. should study them too.
the study show how region affects drink habits. 7.8 servings in Latin Amerca! vary high.