CONSUMING one sugar-sweetened beverage a day increases dangerous belly fat linked to heart disease and diabetes, a recent study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation >found.

In Jamaica, sugar-sweetened drinks are very popular, almost every lunch and dinner meal is accompanied by a sweetened drink; we even pack our children’s lunch bags with sweetened drinks. Research shows that these sweetened drinks increase our risk of diabetes and heart disease.

In 2009, the American Heart Association was the first to issue precise guidelines on consumption of added sugars. In this statement, experts advised that women consume no more than 100 calories a day of added sugars (about six teaspoons of sugar) and that men limit consumption to 150 calories a day (nine teaspoons).

Since then, the American Heart Association has also recommended that adults limit consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages to no more than 450 calories a week — the equivalent to about three 12-ounce cans of soda.

WHY THE GUIDELINES?

Time and time again, research continues to demonstrate the negative effects of sugary beverages on our health. Not only do sugar-sweetened beverages contribute to weight gain, they’ve been shown to increase risk for diabetes, heart disease and other chronic diseases.

According to a recent study, sugary beverages may also promote growth of a dangerous belly fat.

Visceral fat is a type of fat that lies deep within the abdomen, surrounding the body’s organs. Research has linked this deep belly fat to heart disease, diabetes, and other serious conditions.

To learn about the link between sugar-sweetened beverages and belly fat, researchers analysed data from the Framingham’s Third Generation cohort. First initiated in 2002, this study followed more than 4,000 United States adults to learn about risk factors for heart disease. Among participants, roughly 1,000 had computerised tomography (CT) scans to assess both quality and quantity of body fat. CT scans were performed roughly six years apart, and during the study participants completed food questionnaires to assess their beverage consumption.

After analysis, researchers found that individuals consuming at least one sugar-sweetened beverage a day had a 27 per cent greater increase in belly fat volume over six years when compared to those not consuming sugary beverages. This association existed regardless of weight gain.

Sugar-sweetened beverages included soda, carbonated beverages with sugar, fruit punches, lemonade, and other fruit drinks.

Interestingly, researchers also found that consumption of diet soda was not significantly associated with the quality or quantity of fat.

Findings contribute to a growing body of evidence about the negative health effects of sugar-sweetened beverages. As experts explain, limiting consumption of added sugars is a must.

Through education and policy, experts hope to reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and promote better health in children and adults.

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

What is abdominal obesity?

Abdominal obesity is defined as having a waist circumference greater than 40 inches for a man or 35 inches for a woman.

Although excess fat can have a negative impact on health, carrying extra belly fat is especially harmful, increasing risk for heart disease, diabetes and cancer, among other conditions. The good news is that losing just three to five per cent of body weight can help reduce cardiovascular risk and improve overall health.

What is a heart-healthy diet?

A heart-healthy diet is full of fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains, and includes low-fat dairy, fish and nuts as part of a balanced diet. It’s important to limit intake of added sugars, salt (sodium) and bad fats (saturated and trans fats).

Dr Claudine Lewis is an adult cardiologist and medical director at Heart Smart Centre in Montego Bay. She is also a cardiologist at the Cornwall Regional Hospital and an associate lecturer with the University of the West Indies. Questions may be sent to questions@heartsmartcentre.com and for additional information call 684-9989 or visit the website www.heartsmartcentre.com