A new study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of the World Health Organization (WHO), has found that consuming half a liter or more of sugary drinks per day increases the risk of premature death by 20%. The study analyzed data from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study, which documented the lifestyles and health of 519,000 people between 1992 and 2000. The study found that the risk of premature death increases exponentially with the amount of sugary drinks consumed, regardless of gender, weight, age, smoking, or alcohol consumption habits. The study defines sugary drinks as any beverage containing normal sugar or artificial sweeteners, including fruit juices, sodas, energy drinks, and isotonic drinks.
The study’s co-author, Heinz Freisling, warns that even consuming as little as 0.5 liters of sugary drinks per day can lead to a significant increase in the risk of premature death. However, the study only establishes a strong statistical correlation between sugary drink consumption and reduced life expectancy, and does not investigate whether there is a causal relationship between the two. The EPIC study was originally designed to investigate the relationship between diet and cancer, but its large dataset has also been used to study other health conditions.
This study follows a recent IARC metastudy that found that night shift work is likely to be carcinogenic. The IARC’s research highlights the importance of understanding the impact of lifestyle choices on health outcomes, and underscores the need for individuals to make informed decisions about their diets and work habits.
