DRINKING just one can of sugary drink a day can lead to worryingly high levels of fat, triggering a host of dangerous health conditions, scientists warn.
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| Experts have warned about the health dangers of fizzy drink |
A ground-breaking six-year study found middle aged who drank sugar-sweetened drinks put on 30 per cent MORE visceral fat than those who didn’t drink the drinks at all.
Those who drank sugar-sweetened drinks once a week, but not daily, were eight per cent more likely to carry the dangerous body fat around their middle.
Visceral fat is found around the abdominal cavity and therefore around important internal organs such as liver, pancreas and intestines.
It is thought to heighten heart disease and diabetes risk because of the way it impairs hormone function and insulin resistance.
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| Participants who drank sugary or fizzy drinks every day put on nearly a litre of this harmful fat. |
The results of the study showed participants who drank sugary or fizzy drinks every day put on nearly a litre of this harmful fat.
Those who had a weekly fizzy drink put on over 700ml of visceral fat.
Scientists from the US National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute said diet drinks had no impact on the levels of fat participants carried around their middle.
Even though the researchers couldn’t pinpoint exactly why sugary beverages increased the amount of this type of fat, they suggest it could be as a result of insulin resistance caused by excess sugar intake.
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| Visceral fat could be an precursor of conditions like diabetes and heart disease |
This hormonal imbalance has the potential to increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Dr Caroline Fox, the study lead, said: “There is evidence linking sugar-sweetened beverages with cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
“Our message to consumers is to follow the current dietary guidelines and to be mindful of how much sugar-sweetened beverages they drink.
“To policy makers, this study adds another piece of evidence to the growing body of research suggesting sugar-sweetened beverages may be harmful to our health.”
The study tracked 1,000 people with an average age of 45 over a course of six years, examining their sugary drink intake and calculating visceral fat using specialised X-rays machines.
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| The study coincides with calls to have a sugar tax of 50 per cent |
Study co-author, Dr Ma added: "Our findings are in line with current dietary guidelines that suggest limiting the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages."
The study was published in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation.
The NHS warn fizzy drink consumption can lead to tooth decay and weight gain. Many unsuspecting drinks - such as flavoured water - contain a surprising amount of sugar and advise to always check the label.
This study also coincides with the recommendation from the National Obesity Forum that sugar tax should be set at 50 per cent in order to tackle childhood obesity.
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