A study published in the journal Nature has highlighted the staggering impact that sugar-loaded beverages have on global health, with sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America seeing the highest rates of related illnesses.
Rising Sugar Consumption Fuels Global Health Crisis
Rising Sugar Consumption Fuels Global Health Crisis
Recent research reveals alarming links between sugary drink intake and the prevalence of diabetes and heart disease, particularly in developing regions.
Across the globe, approximately 340,000 deaths each year are attributable to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, particularly from Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, according to a major study released on Monday. This research represents one of the most comprehensive evaluations of the health implications stemming from the global adoption of Western eating practices.
The study indicated that in 2020 alone, sugary drinks were connected to an additional 2.2 million instances of Type 2 diabetes and 1.2 million diagnoses of cardiovascular disease, with an outsized number of these health challenges emerging in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. These regions have also recorded the steepest rise in soft drink consumption in recent years. This trend is largely due to soda companies seeking growth opportunities in developing markets as their traditional bases of North America and Europe experience steady declines.
The steep estimate of 340,000 fatalities represents a considerable increase from earlier studies; for comparison, a 2015 analysis published in Circulation estimated around 184,000 deaths worldwide linked to sugary drink consumption in 2010. The detrimental health consequences associated with sugary beverages—ranging from carbonated sodas and energy drinks to juices with added sugars—are well-documented.
These drinks can quickly spike sugar levels in the body, displacing more nutritious food and beverage choices. Regularly indulging in the excessive sugar contained in these drinks promotes obesity, jeopardizes liver health, and elevates risks for heart disease, hypertension, and Type 2 diabetes. The latter is especially insidious, leading to severe consequences including blindness, amputations, and a shortened lifespan.
The study indicated that in 2020 alone, sugary drinks were connected to an additional 2.2 million instances of Type 2 diabetes and 1.2 million diagnoses of cardiovascular disease, with an outsized number of these health challenges emerging in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. These regions have also recorded the steepest rise in soft drink consumption in recent years. This trend is largely due to soda companies seeking growth opportunities in developing markets as their traditional bases of North America and Europe experience steady declines.
The steep estimate of 340,000 fatalities represents a considerable increase from earlier studies; for comparison, a 2015 analysis published in Circulation estimated around 184,000 deaths worldwide linked to sugary drink consumption in 2010. The detrimental health consequences associated with sugary beverages—ranging from carbonated sodas and energy drinks to juices with added sugars—are well-documented.
These drinks can quickly spike sugar levels in the body, displacing more nutritious food and beverage choices. Regularly indulging in the excessive sugar contained in these drinks promotes obesity, jeopardizes liver health, and elevates risks for heart disease, hypertension, and Type 2 diabetes. The latter is especially insidious, leading to severe consequences including blindness, amputations, and a shortened lifespan.
