More than 10 per cent of Albertans are drinking too many sugar-sweetened beverages per day, a new Alberta Health report has found.
The Health Trends Alberta report surveyed adults in the province, finding those that over indulge are most often choosing sweetened coffee or tea beverages (12.7 per cent) , followed by soda drinks (10.9 per cent) and sweetened fruit or sports drinks (5.5 per cent).
Male and female respondents consumed roughly the same amount of coffee or tea beverages while male respondents were more likely to drink soda, fruit or sport drinks. For all beverage types consumption was highest in adults under the age of 40.
The World Health Organization recommends people get no more than 10 per cent of their daily calories from added sugars or 12 teaspoons of sugar per day — a typical 12-ounce drink contains 10 teaspoons of sugar.
“Consumption of sugar sweetened beverages are associated with obesity, type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and dental caries,” the report said.
The Canadian Beverage Association responded to the report with a written statement Thursday. It said that over the last decade, the association has worked to reduce the number of calories Canadians consume from sugar sweetened beverages by 20 per cent.
“Despite this reduction in beverage calories in the past 10 years, incidents of obesity and diabetes continues to rise,” the Association statement said. “Obesity and disease prevention is a complex issue that requires a holistic and collaborative approach. We welcome the opportunity for open dialogue with all relevant stakeholders to better address how we can all play an actionable role in developing workable solutions to these serious health issues.”
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