What Sugar-Sweetened Beverages are Doing To Your Health
Thermalist Member Article
Today, I want to discuss a topic that has received much attention lately: sugar-sweetened beverages. These sugary drinks have become a staple in our diets, with many consuming them daily without thinking twice.
But have you ever stopped to think about what these sweet drinks do to your health? With the rise in obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases, it's time to examine the impact of sugar-sweetened beverages on our bodies.
Let's find some facts!
The Rise of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages
Over the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, including sodas, sports drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, and other sweetened drinks.
In fact, according to research from the Harvard School of Public Health, sugary drinks are now the single largest source of added sugars in the American diet. This is concerning, considering that one can of soda can contain up to 40 grams (10 teaspoons) of sugar!
But why are we consuming so many of these drinks? The answer lies in beverage companies' clever marketing strategies, which make sugary drinks seem fun and refreshing. However, they fail to mention the long-term effects on our health. Hang on as I discuss the impact on your health.
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Impact on Weight Gain
One of the most well-known impacts of sugar-sweetened beverages is weight gain. The excess calories from these drinks can quickly add up and contribute to weight gain and obesity. Studies have shown that individuals who consume more sugary drinks tend to have a higher body mass index than those who do not.
A study by Vasanti S. and colleagues investigated the association between sugar-sweetened beverage intake and weight gain. They searched various publications from 1966 to 2005, including cross-sectional, prospective cohort, and experimental studies.
After carefully selecting relevant and high-quality studies, they found a positive relationship between sugar-sweetened beverage intake and weight gain.
Results from large cross-sectional studies and well-powered prospective cohort studies showed a clear association between higher sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and increased risk of weight gain and obesity in children and adults.