See sugary drinks as ‘threats not treats’, warns obesity specialist

Sugar-sweetened drinks should be seen as “threats, not treats”, a specialist on obesity warned as Safefood alerted parents that fruit drinks are often as high in sugar as fizzy varieties.

“There is now clear evidence that links the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks to overweight and obesity among children and adolescents,” said Prof Donal O’Shea, an obesity specialist with the HSE.

“As parents we tend to ignore the contribution of liquids to our kids’ daily calorie intake. We need to start viewing these drinks as ‘threats not treats’ and certainly not something to be had every day,” he said.