JAKARTA - The habit of drinking sugary drinks has a major impact on body health. Not only weight gain, but it can also affect a person's life expectancy.
A recent study found that sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) are associated with an increased risk of death from chronic diseases, such as type two diabetes and heart disease.
"Sugar-sweetened beverages can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease through various direct and indirect mechanisms," said preventive cardiologist Adedapo Iluyomade, MD, quoted from Prevention, on Friday, March 27, 2026.
In the study published in the journal Nature Medicine, researchers estimated that millions of cases of type 2 diabetes and heart disease each year are related to the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.
One of the main reasons that sugary drinks are harmful is their effect on blood sugar. Sugar in liquid form is absorbed by the body very quickly, causing a spike in glucose and insulin in a short time.
"Rapid sugar absorption causes a spike in blood sugar and insulin, which promotes the accumulation of visceral fat and insulin resistance," he said.
This condition makes the body easier to store fat, especially in the abdominal area, as well as increasing the risk of diabetes.
Over time, this condition can also trigger high blood pressure, high cholesterol, to chronic inflammation, which are all major factors of heart disease that can reduce life expectancy.
Therefore, it is recommended to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks gradually. For example, by replacing sugary drinks with water or fresh fruit juice, which is considered effective in reducing dependence on sweetness.
"For most people, it's best to have less than one serving (of sugary drinks) per week, balanced with a healthy diet," he concluded.
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