Consumption of sugary drinks among children and their parents or caregivers. In Fact

The increasing consumption of sugary drinks has been a major factor contributing to the global obesity epidemic. These 'liquid lollies' also increase the risk of other health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, gout, dental decay, and dental erosion. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to give their children water and low-fat unflavoured milk and to role model healthy behaviours by limiting their own consumption of these beverages. HPA’s nutrition and physical activity programme promotes these beverage recommendations. Data on what families eat and drink from HPA’s 2012 Health and Lifestyles Survey is in this fact sheet.