(London) – A recent report has highlighted the extensive health risks linked to sugary drinks, from weight gain to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and tooth decay. Despite the well known dangers of excess sugar, demand for these drinks remains high, with U.K. adults consuming more than one sugary beverage per week on average, according to government surveys.
A single 330ml can of Coca-Cola contains nearly 35 grams of sugar—equivalent to about nine teaspoons—while a 500ml can of Monster Energy Drink packs in 55 grams, or nearly 14 teaspoons. Just one of these drinks exceeds the recommended daily sugar limit of 30 grams, illustrating the large quantities of sugar people regularly consume.
The popularity of sugary drinks has not waned, with U.K. sales continuing to grow, reaching close to £3.2 billion in 2023. The high consumption of these beverages is a concern for public health experts, as excessive sugar intake is linked to both Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Nutritionists have thus supported measures like the sugar tax to help curb the nation’s sugar consumption.
Manufacturers add sugar to drinks not only to enhance taste but also to extend shelf life. Public health experts like Beth Bradshaw from Food Active explain that our tolerance for sweetness has grown due to the rise in ultra processed food and drink consumption. Bradshaw states that sugary drinks are particularly problematic because they are quickly absorbed and don’t provide any lasting fullness, leading to higher sugar intake over time.
| Drink | Sugar Content (per 330ml) |
|---|---|
| Coca-Cola | 35g (9 teaspoons) |
| Monster Energy Drink (500ml) | 55g (14 teaspoons) |
Health professionals explain that sugary drinks can disrupt the body’s metabolic balance and contribute to weight gain. Nutritional therapist Jeannette Hyde says that the insulin released when sugar enters the bloodstream promotes fat storage. Sugary drinks lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar, which are soon followed by crashes, causing people to feel hungry again and seek more sugar.
The link between sugary drinks and Type 2 diabetes is supported by studies like one from Harvard University in 2010, which found that people consuming one or more sugary drinks per day had a 26% higher risk of developing the condition. Regular sugar intake can result in insulin resistance, where cells stop responding to insulin efficiently, increasing the likelihood of diabetes.
There is also evidence linking sugary drinks to heart disease. High sugar intake can lower “good” cholesterol levels and increase triglycerides—fats that can build up in the arteries and elevate the risk of heart disease. Excessive sugar intake can also lead to fat accumulation in the liver, increasing the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and possibly liver cancer, according to research.
The effects of sugary drinks on children are particularly concerning. Rising rates of obesity and Type 2 diabetes among young people are linked to the popularity of sugar-laden beverages, says Bradshaw. She highlights that young children are increasingly starting school with signs of dental decay, with sugary drinks being a major factor. Last year, over 42,000 tooth extractions were performed in NHS hospitals on children aged 0-19, making dental decay a leading cause of hospital admissions among young patients.
The damage caused by these drinks goes beyond sugar alone. Acids like citric, phosphoric, and carbonic acids, found in both sugary and artificially sweetened drinks, erode tooth enamel, increasing sensitivity. Additionally, caffeine in energy drinks poses extra risks for young people, as it can interfere with calcium absorption, cause high blood pressure, and lead to sleep disturbances, according to the British Dietetic Association.
While many manufacturers are now opting for artificial sweeteners in place of sugar, experts are divided on their safety. Bradshaw supports the use of artificial sweeteners as a step to reduce sugar intake, explaining that they undergo rigorous testing and are safe to consume. However, Hyde points out concerns that some studies indicate artificial sweeteners may alter gut bacteria balance, which can lead to increased sugar cravings and potentially insulin resistance over time.
