Obesity is becoming increasingly common worldwide and is associated with a higher risk of several chronic diseases, including diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular conditions. While excessive food intake is often considered a major contributor to weight gain, researchers say sugary drinks may also play an important role.
The study, conducted by Japan’s National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, examined the relationship between soft drink consumption and obesity among students from educational institutions across 107 countries and regions.
Researchers found that obesity is becoming increasingly prevalent among young people globally, with frequent consumption of sugary drinks emerging as one of the factors associated with higher body weight.
According to the findings, consuming sugary beverages at least once a day was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of obesity.
The researchers noted that previous clinical trials and studies have also established a link between sugary drink consumption and weight gain. They said the new findings further strengthen the existing evidence.
They emphasized that reducing the consumption of soft drinks among young people could be an important step in addressing the growing global obesity problem.
The findings were published in the journal JAMA Open Network.
Previous Research Also Links Sugary Drinks to Weight Gain
Earlier research published in March 2023 by scientists from Harvard University in the United States and the University of Toronto in Canada also found a link between sugary beverages, including soda, and weight gain.
The researchers analyzed data from dozens of studies conducted over the previous decade and found a consistent association between consumption of sugary drinks and obesity.
The study also linked sugary beverage consumption with weight gain and a higher risk of chronic diseases. Researchers found that drinking one additional serving of soda per day was associated with an increase in body weight.
They noted that the more sugary drinks people consumed, the greater the potential increase in body weight. According to the study, consuming just one additional soda every day could result in an average weight gain of around half a kilogram over a year.
Although such an increase may appear small, researchers warned that gradual weight gain can accumulate over time and contribute to obesity. The researchers therefore recommended limiting the consumption of sugary beverages.
The 2023 study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
