Drinking sugary soft drinks and poor nutrition, increases risk for obesity, which further increases the risk of diabetes. Researchers from the Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut found that sugar-loaded soft drinks have a negative impact on health. They analysed and reviewed 88 studies on the issue and concluded that recommendations to curb soft drink consumption on a population level are strongly supported by the available scientific evidence. The study included more than 91,000 women, who were followed for 8 years. The study provided the most striking links between soft drinks and health outcomes. Women who drank one or more sodas per day (an amount less than the US national average) were twice as likely to develop diabetes over the course of the study, than those who drank less than one soda per month. When diet soda replaced regular soda in the analysis, there was no increased risk, suggesting that the risk was specific to sugar-sweetened soft drinks. This result alone warrants serious concern about soft drink intake, particularly in light of the unprecedented rise in type 2 diabetes in children. The data also shows that higher intake of sugary sodas goes hand-in-hand with lower intake of milk, calcium and other essential nutrients, fruit and fibre, and higher intake of carbohydrates. When it comes to soft drink consumption among America's youth, the decision parents make is one thing, but the relentless aimed at children is another. The researchers support the growing trend towards banning sales of soft drinks in schools.
American Journal of Public Health,
March 2007