Sugary drinks implicated in childhood obesity

ANA Media Release 25 May 2005

A new scientific review investigating the links between sugary drinks and childhood obesity has concluded that sugary drinks do play a role in promoting weight gain in children.

The report was prepared by the Scientific Committee of the Agencies for Nutrition Action and presented today at the inaugural National Nutrition and Physical Activity Conference in Christchurch.

Principal author of the report, Dr Rachael Taylor, lecturer of the Department of Human Nutrition at the University of Otago said while the results of the study were not surprising, it was expected that the report would result in 'spirited debate' between nutritionists and the beverage industry.

The study involved an extensive literature search, and included more than 70 references.

"To reach a conclusion that there is a link between childhood obesity and sugary drinks, you have to look at the total weight of evidence. Numerous studies have been published examining the potential contribution of sugar-sweetened beverages to weight gain in children.

"In all cases, the majority found there was a positive association; a minority found no association and significantly, no studies showed a negative association."

The links between fruit juice and childhood obesity were not so clear cut.

"Whether fruit juices per se also play a role in promoting obesity in children is unclear and the evidence is somewhat conflicting. However, the absence of evidence should not be confused with evidence of an absence of effect."

Dr Taylor said there is no one single cause for obesity with countless factors involved including nutrition, physical activity and genetics.

"While sugary drinks alone cannot be blamed for childhood obesity, the Scientific Committee recommends it is advisable to limit the intake of all high sugar drinks, whether high in natural (fruit juices) or added sugars (such as fizzy drinks).

"The recent advent of flavoured waters has provided a lower sugar alternative in the marketplace, however it is undesirable for children to develop a taste for always having their drinks flavoured and thus sweet."

Dr Taylor said it was important to encourage children to consume plain water as the beverage of choice.

The findings of the ANA Scientific Committee confirm the results of the 2002 New Zealand National Children's Nutrition Survey by Associate Professor Robert Scragg of the University of Auckland who is also a member of the ANA Scientific Committee.

"The risk factors for childhood obesity include too much television watching, sugary drinks, buying food at the dairy and missing breakfast."

The Scientific Committee's brief did not include developing strategies to tackle the problem of sugary drinks, however it did develop some recommendations in light of its findings:

• Plain water and trim milk should be drinks of choice.
• Do not consume, or limit consumption to 0-1 (250ml) drinks per day, of 100 percent fruit juices, flavoured milk, flavoured waters, diet drinks.
• Do not consume, or at most limit consumption to treats only (less than once a week), regular soft drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, fruit drinks.

Dr Taylor said it was very pleasing to see action already being taken in some areas to encourage a reduction in sugary drinks consumption among children.

The Waitemata DHB has developed a "traffic light" beverages guideline advising which drinks should be considered "red" and drunk less; which drinks should be considered "amber" and drunk in moderation and those "green" drinks which should be consumed most.

Waitemata DHB's communications manager Bryony Hilless says the board is also working with local schools to specifically remove high sugar carbonated beverages from school vending machines and in the first instance replace them with diet alternatives.

"We hope to see a co-ordinated strategy developed and we hope this study will act as a catalyst for that to happen," Dr Taylor said.

For more information:
Dr Rachael Taylor, 03 479-5262
Carolyn Watts, 021 828-055
Bryony Hilless, 021 829-802