Low social status link to sugary drinks

People buying large amounts of sugary or diet drinks are more likely have low socio-economic status, be overweight or obese, and buy less healthy food, according to a new study.

The study published yesterday analysed data on food and drink purchases from nearly 9,000 British households who regularly bought soft drinks, juice or alcohol, to identify which would benefit the most from policies targeting obesity.

There search, conducted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine( LS H TM) and the University of Exeter, found that overall households which mostly purchased high levels of sugarsweetened drinks (SSBS) or diet drinks also had a high proportion of dietary energy in their purchases from sweet snacks, such as chocolates, sweets and biscuits.

Being overweight or obese was also above average in these two groups, with a higher proportion of individuals in these households having a body mass index (BMI) over 25, the study found. The lowest proportion of obesity and over weight was seen in households buying mostly wine, or fruit juice and milk-based drinks, the researchers said. The researchers said their findings suggested households buying soft drinks were at a higher risk of obesity.