Australian teenagers love sugary drinks too much. A new study reveals one-in-six teens consume more five kilograms of sugar every year from sweet beverages alone.

Federica Willemsen reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Cancer Council’s new study reveals teenagers are consuming an alarming amount of sugar.

According to the findings, 17 per cent of Australian teens consume four or more cups of sugary drinks every week.

VOX 1: “I feel like it’s really easy for us to just grab a quick drink after school like those slurpees.”

But health experts warn this habit puts teens at risk, and can lead to weight gain and obesity.

Taylor Vickery, Inner Health Nutrition Dietitian: “Our bodies aren’t used to digesting those free sugars which are found in these sugary drinks. They have an increase risk in getting those common diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, poor dental hygiene.”

The Cancer Council says boys are the biggest consumers with 22 per cent of them drinking more than a litre per week.

The study also reveals teens living in low socio-economic areas are more likely to consume higher amounts.

To reduce children’s consumption, dietitians are encouraging parents to leave sugar-laden beverages such as soft drinks, cordials and sports drinks off the shopping list.

Vox 2: “I don’t mind if they have it occasionally but I don’t like them having them a lot, it’s obviously not good for the teeth and that much sugar is not fantastic for the body so I try to limit their intake.”

Taylor Vickery, Inner Health Nutrition Dietitian: “It’s just keeping those drinks for occasional or special occasions, more a celebratory drink, rather than an everyday drink.”

Federica Willemsen, QUT News.