Giving sugary drinks to small children is not only harmful to their teeth, but it can also prove to be their 'sweet poison'. Children drinking sugary drinks can also increase the risk of obesity in the future. A recent study found that children who were fed sugary drinks instead of fruit juice as children were more likely to be overweight at age 24.
In this study conducted by the School of Psychology of Swansea University, the dietary habits of more than 14 thousand British children were tracked from birth to adulthood. The study found that children who drank sugar-rich drinks like cold drinks or sweet fruit syrups before the age of two showed greater weight gain. According to researchers, the extra sugar present in these drinks not only increases the weight of children but also gives rise to unhealthy eating habits.
What is the result of the study?
The study also found that girls who drank fruit juice had less weight, while no significant difference was seen in the weight of boys. Experts believe that fruit juice has a high fiber content, which makes children feel full quickly. At the same time, sweet sugar drinks do not contain fiber, due to which children feel hungry quickly and eat more.
Expert's statement:
Dr. Lewis Barker, the lead author of the study, says that parents should not make their children into the habit of giving sugary drinks. He suggests that children should be inculcated in the habit of drinking water and the consumption of sugary drinks should be minimized. Also, parents should teach their children healthy eating habits, which include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
This study is evidence that eating habits in childhood significantly influence the risk of obesity in adult life. Parents should take care of the health of their children and inculcate healthy eating habits since childhood.
