According to a new BMJ study, children and teenagers worldwide increased their consumption of sugary drinks by almost a quarter between 1990 and 2018. Given its link with rising young people's obesity rates, this fast increase in sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake has major consequences for public health. 

Using the Global Dietary Database, the study examined information from over 1,200 dietary surveys spread over 185 nations. It showed that children's and teenagers' average SSB intake increased by 23%, or 0.68 more servings weekly. Sub-Saharan Africa, whose consumption grew by 2.17 servings per week, shows an clear increase. 

The global average SSB intake in 2018 was 3.6 standard servings per week. Still, there is great geographic variance. For example, South Asia had the lowest average intake at 1.3 servings per week, while Latin America and the Caribbean recorded the greatest average intake at 9.1 servings per week. Of the 185 countries examined, home to 238 million young people, 56 had an average SSB intake of more than seven servings per week. 

The study notes several demographic patterns. Older children and teenagers, those living in cities, and those whose parents had more education all consumed more SSB. These results highlight how geographic location and socioeconomic level affect eating behaviour. 

The study's writers underline that the growth in SSB intake among young people is almost exactly twice the increase seen among adults over the same period. They contend that this tendency emphasises the pressing need for focused policies to address the marketing and availability of SSBs to younger groups. 

The study notes limits that might compromise its accuracy even with its insightful analysis. These consist of possible biases in self-reported data and gaps in dietary survey data from lower-income nations. Still, the writers contend that their results provide the best approximations of world SSB intake. 

The researchers support thorough national and local-level measures in order to solve the developing issue. They underline the importance of policies to lower SSB consumption, particularly in areas with high intake like Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the developing problem in sub-Saharan Africa. 

"Our results are meant to guide present and upcoming policies to reduce SSB intakes," the scientists said. "Achieving the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and enhancing public health globally depends on this effort." 

Ultimately, the findings of the study act as a sobering reminder of the growing problems related to young people's usage of sugary drinks. Dealing with these problems through sensible policies will be crucial to reversing the increasing tide of obesity and associated medical problems.