3. Weight gain and obesity
Sugary drinks (juices, sodas and energy drinks) are considered to be the main cause of the obesity epidemic in developed countries. One serving of soda can contain up to 200 calories – the same as one meal! However, unlike a meal, they don’t make you feel full even for a short time, so you don’t compensate by eating less. Regular consumption of sugary drinks puts you at high risk for obesity, which is not only an aesthetic problem but also potentially contributes to other health problems, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
4. Increased risk of NAFLD
All of the colorings and flavors in beverages are broken down in our livers – giving a lot of work to an organ that also deals with the metabolism of added sugars. When overloaded, the liver converts excess sugar into fat, putting you at risk of NAFLD, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This is a health problem that affects 20-30% of the adult population worldwide, and there is a proven link between high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and the risk of NAFLD.
