Sugary drinks contribute to 180,000 deaths a year

Some of the most popular sugary drinks are contributing to at least 180,000 deaths worldwide per year — the equivalent of one death every three minutes.

That is according to a Harvard School of Public Health study that examined the medical implications of some of the industry’s most recognisable products.

For decades, it has been widely believed that long-term use of sugary drinks can significantly increase the chances of developing diabetes, heart disease, and some forms of cancer in later life. This is because of the unhealthy nature of the ingredients involved.

However, the Harvard research — revealed at an American Health Association conference this week — said the full impact of the drinks has been kept hidden from public view until now.

According to the study, 180,000 people die as a result of long-term use of sugary drinks every year, the equivalent of 494 deaths a day, or one every three minutes.

The finding includes 133,000 diabetes, 44,000 heart disease, and 6,000 cancer fatalities every year, with three in every four cases relating to people from low- or middle-income families.

The research team made the conclusion — which suggests European, North American, and Central American populations are most at risk — after examining national sugary drink consumption levels by age and gender.

They then cross-referenced rates with diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and cancer levels in different countries.

The highest death rate was in Mexico and the lowest in Japan — which also have the highest and lowest sugary drink consumption rates in the world.

While no figures were immediately available here, Irish Heart Foundation figures show the average person in this country consumes 83 litres of sugary drinks every year.

The Harvard research, detailed at irishhealth.com, emerged on the same day as the Irish Heart Foundation called for a 10% tax on the sugary drinks to help cut down on the nation’s obesity epidemic.

Study facts

*180,000 people are dying because of long-term sugary drink usage worldwide every year.

*The figure is the equivalent of 494 people a day, or one person every three minutes.

*It includes 133,000 diabetes, 44,000 heart disease, and 6,000 cancer fatalities a year.

*Three in four cases relate to people from low- or middle-income families.

*Irish people consume an average of 83 litres of sugary drinks per year.