Sugary drinks may be just as harmful for slim people

Research suggests that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes could increase if sugary drinks are regularly in the diet, even if the person is slim, although other experts still believe inactive lifestyles and obesity are more important factors.
Publishing their results in the British Medical Journal, a team from the University of Cambridge analysed 17 studies which had looked at the effects of sugary drinks on the development of diabetes, regardless of the person’s weight.
However, although the researchers identified a pattern which suggested drinks containing added sugar may affect the risk of developing diabetes, their results were acquired assuming that there is a direct link between sugary drinks and diabetes, but as of yet there is not. The study also failed to account for drinking habits or lifestyle changes.
The lead researcher, Dr Fumiaki Imamura, acknowledged that the research has its limitations, but said: “Our study suggests that if everyone reduces soft sugary drinks, everyone gets the benefit.”
“It is important to stress that this study does not prove a cause-effect relationship and there are no trials as yet showing that reducing sugar-sweetened beverages decreases the incidence of type 2 diabetes,” said Professor Tom Sanders.
It is important to live a healthy lifestyle, by getting plenty of exercise and following a healthy diet. Reducing your consumption of processed food and sugar, whilst consuming plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, is just one of the ways you can improve your health.
Although no direct link has yet been established between diabetes and sugary drinks, it is widely agreed upon by experts that reducing your intake of sugary drinks will benefit your health.

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