All interventionsOverweight and obesity are major risk factors for a number of noncommunicable diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer. Once considered a problem only in high income countries, overweight and obesity are now dramatically on the rise in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings.
Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is high in many parts of the world and is suggestive of poor dietary quality, as sugar-sweetened beverages contain sugars such as sucrose or fructose, often in large amounts, which contribute to the overall energy density of diets. The calories provided by sugar-sweetened beverages have little nutritional value and may not provide the same feeling of fullness that solid food provides. As a result, total energy intake may increase which can lead to unhealthy weight gain.
WHO has developed guidance on free sugars* intake, as shown below, based on the impact of free sugars intake on weight gain and dental caries. Current evidence suggests that increasing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with weight gain. Therefore, reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages would also reduce the risk of unhealthy weight gain in adults.
* Free sugars include monosaccharides and disaccharides added to foods and beverages by the manufacturer, cook or consumer, and sugars naturally present in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates.