Sugar-sweetened beverages can lead to many health complications such as weight gain, obesity and diabetes, experts say.

Consuming sugar-sweetened beverages like soda, fruit punch and lemonade is common at home or out, but it can cause significant health harm — from tooth infections to kidney damage, experts said Monday. Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are beverages that contain sugar or other sweeteners, such as high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), sucrose, or fruit juice. These include: non-diet sodas, flavored juices, sports or energy drinks, sweetened tea and coffee.

Health hazards of sugar-sweetened beverages

“These sweeteners are a major concern that can lead to many health complications like weight gain, obesity and diabetes. Besides, it has long-term effects on the heart and kidneys and also causes dental complications,” Dr. Manish Mittal, Consultant Physician, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara told IANS. Foods like fructose, high fructose corn and brown sugar “increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease”, said Dr Narendra Singla, Lead Consultant – Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.

“Consuming too much sugar can lead to weight gain, inflammation and insulin resistance. To avoid these risks, choose unsweetened beverages and limit sugary drinks to less than 10 percent of the daily requirement,” he added. A recent study conducted by researchers at Harvard University in the US has shown that excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages may increase the incidence and mortality of cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially among those with diabetes.

A study published in the BMJ found that each additional daily serving of a sugar-sweetened beverage was associated with an 8 percent higher all-cause mortality. “Long-term consumption of these sugar-sweetened beverages can also affect cardiovascular health. People with existing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure will be more affected if they consume these drinks daily. If a person already has diabetes, and still consumes these sweeteners, the diabetes will naturally spiral out of control and they are at double risk,” said Mittal.

“Consumption of sugar-free supplements is equally harmful and has side effects affecting gut health,” the doctor said. Singhala suggests choosing natural sources of sweetness, such as fruits and vegetables, and “watching out for hidden sugars in processed foods.” Experts called for adopting a balanced diet and regular physical activity for good health.