Soft drinks, weight status and health: health professional update

High consumption of soft drinks and other sugary drinks are associated with a number of health problems, including overweight and obesity, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and dental caries. In Australia, soft drinks are the most commonly consumed sugary beverage and have been singled out for specific attention as a target of obesity prevention programs. Soft drinks are well-known, readily available and marketed extensively, especially to adolescents. They have no nutritional value other than sugar and fluid, and are identified in the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating as an ‘extra’ food – one that should be consumed only occasionally and in small amounts.