What does "Sugar-Sweetened Beverages" mean?
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Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are drinks that contain added sugars, making them high in calories. Common examples include soft drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened fruit juices. These types of drinks are popular but can have negative effects on health.
Health Risks
Consuming a lot of SSBs can lead to obesity and other health problems like diabetes and heart disease. These beverages are often low in essential nutrients and high in sugars, which can increase the risk of gaining weight.
Taxes on SSBs
Many countries are considering or have implemented taxes on SSBs to reduce their consumption. The idea behind these taxes is that by making these drinks more expensive, people will buy less of them. This can help improve public health by encouraging healthier choices.
Impact on Consumption
Research shows that when taxes are put in place, people tend to buy less sugar from these drinks. Studies have found that lower-income households and families with children often reduce their purchases of sugary drinks significantly when taxes are imposed.
Benefits of Reducing SSBs
By drinking less sugary beverage, people can lower their calorie intake. This can help reduce obesity rates and related health costs. Lowering the consumption of SSBs can lead to a healthier population overall and help decrease health issues linked to high sugar intake.