The Effects of Consuming a High Amount of Sugary Drinks on the Body

Consuming an excessive amount of sugary drinks on a regular basis can lead to various health issues such as overweight, obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Associate Professor Truong Tuyet Mai from the National Institute of Nutrition pointed out that a typical 330ml portion of carbonated sugary drinks contains around 35g of sugar, providing little to no nutritional value while packing in about 140 kcal of energy. The improper consumption of sweetened beverages has been linked to weight gain, with research showing that drinking one can of soda a day for 1.5 years can increase the risk of becoming overweight or obese by 60%.

One of the reasons sugary drinks contribute to weight gain is that the body quickly absorbs liquid calories without registering them, leading to excess energy consumption. The sweetness in these drinks can also trigger cravings for more sugary foods, increase hunger, lower the satiety threshold, and add high levels of carbohydrates to the diet. By consuming a lot of sugary drinks, individuals can take in more calories than their body needs, ultimately leading to weight gain and other health issues.

In addition to weight gain, excessive consumption of sugary drinks can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension. The sugar content in these drinks can affect insulin, cholesterol levels, and metabolites in the body, contributing to conditions like high blood pressure, inflammation, tooth decay, metabolic syndrome, and liver disease. Furthermore, the acidity in soft drinks can harm oral health, making them a poor choice for overall well-being.

The World Health Organization recommends that sugar consumption, especially from sugary drinks, be limited to prevent health issues. With the increasing consumption of sugary drinks in Vietnam, the WHO suggests implementing measures like taxes on these products, nutritional labeling on packaging, restrictions on advertising, limited access to sugary drinks in schools, and educating children about healthy nutrition. Implementing a tax on sugary drinks at 20% of the retail price or taxing based on sugar content can help reduce consumption and promote healthier beverage choices among the population. These measures aim to address rising rates of obesity and prevent non-communicable diseases from affecting future generations.