Sugary drinks increase women’s risk of liver disease and cancer.

Sugary drinks increase women's risk of liver disease and cancer.

The Dangers of Sugary Drinks: A Risk Factor for Liver Cancer and Disease

Sugary drinks have long been a topic of concern due to their impact on health. Recent research sheds light on yet another reason to rethink our beverage choices. A study has discovered a marked increase in the risk of liver cancer and chronic liver disease among women who consume sodas and other sweetened drinks¹.

The study, conducted on nearly 100,000 women, found that approximately 7% of them consumed one or more sugar-sweetened beverages daily. Shockingly, this group had an 85% higher risk of developing liver cancer and a 68% higher risk of dying from chronic liver disease compared to women who consumed fewer than three sugar-sweetened beverages a month².

This groundbreaking research, conducted by Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, is the first to establish a correlation between sugar-sweetened drink consumption and chronic liver disease mortality³. Study co-author Longgang Zhao, a postdoctoral researcher, believes the findings may provide a basis for a public health strategy to address this issue if confirmed⁴.

The study analyzed data from the Women’s Health Initiative, focusing on postmenopausal women who reported their soda and fruit drink consumption. The participants also reported their intake of artificially sweetened beverages after three years⁵. The researchers followed these women for over 20 years, examining the correlation between reported drink consumption and the incidence of liver cancer and deaths from chronic liver diseases such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, or chronic hepatitis⁶.

These findings further support the existing evidence that sugary drinks are detrimental to health. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists several health risks associated with consuming sugar-sweetened beverages, including weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney diseases, and non-alcoholic liver disease⁷. Additionally, consuming these drinks contributes to tooth decay, cavities, and gout, a form of arthritis⁸.

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It is concerning that 65% of Americans consume sugar-sweetened beverages on a daily basis⁹. The detrimental effects on public health cannot be understated, and action is necessary to address this issue.

While the study presents compelling evidence, it is important to note that further research is needed to confirm and understand the underlying mechanisms connecting sugary drinks to liver cancer and disease¹⁰. The study relied on self-reports of sugar intake and outcomes, which introduces the possibility of biases or inaccuracies. Nonetheless, this study opens the door to additional exploration and investigation into the risks associated with sugar-sweetened beverages.

The study results were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, highlighting the significance of these findings and their potential impact on public health¹¹. It is an urgent call to action for individuals and policymakers alike to prioritize the reduction of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.

Key Takeaways:

• Women who consume sugar-sweetened drinks have an 85% higher risk of liver cancer and a 68% higher risk of dying from chronic liver disease compared to those who consume fewer than three sugar-sweetened beverages a month¹².
• The study highlights the need for public health strategies to combat the risks associated with sugar-sweetened drinks¹³.
• Sugary drinks are associated with weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney diseases, non-alcoholic liver disease, tooth decay, cavities, and gout¹⁴.
• 65% of Americans consume sugar-sweetened beverages daily¹⁵.
• Further research is necessary to confirm and understand the connection between sugary drinks and liver cancer and disease¹⁶.
• Action is needed to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and mitigate their detrimental effects on public health.

QUESTION

Long-term heavy alcohol consumption can cause: See Answer

More Information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides more information on sugar-sweetened beverages¹⁷.

Source: Mass General Brigham, news release (Aug. 8, 2023)