The benefits of being physically active do not outweigh the risks of developing heart-related diseases associated with consuming sugar-sweetened beverages. The study, led by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health, followed approximately 100,000 adults over a period of 30 years to assess the hypothesis that physical activity can counter the negative effects of sugary drinks on health.
The researchers found that consuming sugar-sweetened beverages more than twice a week was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, regardless of physical activity levels. While physical activity reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with these beverages by half, it did not fully eliminate the risk .
The study’s lead author, Lorena Pacheco, emphasised the importance of limiting the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and maintaining adequate physical activity levels to protect against cardiovascular disease.
Sugar-sweetened beverages are the largest source of added sugars in the North American diet and are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death worldwide. The marketing strategies for these drinks often depict physically active individuals consuming them, potentially suggesting that sugary drink consumption is not harmful as long as one remains physically active.