Kasim Abdulai, PhD, RD.                                                                                                                                                                          Lecturer, dept. of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, UCC                                                                                                                    Executive Director, Coalition of Actors for Public Health Advocacy

The Hidden Dangers of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages: A Wake-Up Call for Action: As we are half-way through the year, it's crucial to shine a spotlight on a pervasive and often underestimated threat to our health: sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). These popular drinks, including sodas, flavored juices, sports drinks, and sweetened teas, are a significant contributor to the global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The harmful effects of SSBs on human health are profound and multifaceted, affecting millions of people worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and for that matter, Ghana.

The Evidence Speaks: Recent studies underscore the urgency of addressing SSB consumption. A 2020 study revealed a direct correlation between SSB intake and an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome among adolescents in LMICs (4). Another study from 2022 highlighted that implementing SSB taxes could lead to significant health improvements, including reductions in obesity and obesity-related diseases (5).

The Economic and Social Costs : The consequences of SSB consumption are not limited to health alone. Diet-related NCDs (DR-NCDs) impose severe economic and social costs, including direct healthcare costs such as hospitalizations, surgeries, and medications, and indirect costs like reduced worker productivity and increased absenteeism (6). Estimates suggest that nearly 180,000 deaths and 8.5 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are attributable to DR-NCDs resulting from SSB consumption, with the majority of these impacts occurring in LMICs (7).

Barriers and Challenges: Despite the proven benefits, implementing SSB taxes is not without challenges. Industry opposition, public resistance, and the need for comprehensive stakeholder engagement are significant hurdles. However, the potential health benefits and economic gains make it a worthy pursuit. For example, a study in Zambia shows that, a 25% tax on SSBs was projected to reduce disability-adjusted life years lost to lifestyle-related diseases, highlighting the long-term benefits of such policies (9).

Conclusion : As we observe Annual Nutrition Month, it is imperative to recognize and address the harmful effects of SSBs on human health. Reducing SSB consumption through effective policy measures, such as taxation, can significantly alleviate the health and economic burdens associated with these beverages. By implementing and supporting such measures, we can move towards a healthier future, free from the pervasive threat of diet-related non-communicable diseases. While the road to reducing SSB consumption is fraught with challenges, the potential health benefits and economic gains provide a compelling case for action. This Nutrition Month, let us commit to making informed choices and advocating for policies that promote better health for all.

References

1. Abdulai K, Rampalli KK, Agordoh PD, Laar A. A Review of the Impact of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxes on Health Outcomes in Low and Middle-Income Countries: Implications for Food-Related Fiscal Policies in Ghana. 2024.

2. Malik VS, Popkin BM, Bray GA, Després JP, Willett WC, Hu FB. Sugar-sweetened beverages and risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. Diabetes Care. 2010;33(11):2477-2483.

3. Dai Z, Rundle A, Goldsmith J. Changing patterns in the consumption of soft drinks among children and adolescents: A systematic review. Nutr Rev. 2021;79(3):347-361.

4. Jones A, Smith L, Roberts C. Socioeconomic disparities and the health impacts of SSB consumption in developing countries. Nutrients. 2020;12(4):1120.

5. Smith JD, Mytton OT, McGowan YK. Potential health gains and reductions in healthcare costs from sugar-sweetened beverage taxes: A systematic review. Soc Sci Med. 2022;285:114431.

6. Thow AM, Downs S, Jan S. A systematic review of the effectiveness of food taxes and subsidies to improve diets: Understanding the recent evidence. Nutr Rev. 2018;76(9):674-700.

7. Singh GM, Micha R, Khatibzadeh S, Lim S, Ezzati M, Mozaffarian D. Estimated global, regional, and national disease burdens related to sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in 2010. Circulation. 2015;132(8):639-666.

8. Stacey N, Edoka I, Hofman K, Swart EC, Popkin B, Ng SW. Changes in beverage purchases following the implementation of a sugar-sweetened beverage tax in a large urban setting. J Public Health Policy. 2021;42(1):88-102.

9. Hangoma P, Mukanu M. Projected Health Benefits of SSB Taxation in Zambia. Health Policy Plan. 2020;35(7):795-806.