Victorian adults knocking back the fizzy drinks for a suger hit

BRIGID O’CONNELL
JUNE 13, 2014
HERALD SUN
VICTORIANS are skolling soft drink at levels dangerous for their health, with 12 per cent of adults consuming more than two cups of sugar a week by cracking a can every day.
Tooth decay remains the most prevalent health problem in the state, five times more common than asthma.
But a coalition of health organisations behind the Rethink Sugary Drink campaign say regular soft drink consumption does not just rot teeth.
Its impact on weight gain increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancers.
Dental Health Services Victoria chief Dr Deborah Cole said soft drink consumption, coupled with smoking, diet and oral hygiene habits, all impacted oral health.
“Many people might not know this but dental conditions are the most common cause of potentially preventable hospitalisation in young Victorians under 19 years, with the most common cause being tooth decay in children,” Dr Cole said.
A new survey of Victorian LGAs by Dental Health Services Victoria, found the most frequent soft drink consumers were in Mildura, Colac and the Pyrenees, with a fifth of the town drinking sugary drinks daily.
Melton residents had the worst overall oral health habits, including having 37 per cent of babies — below the state average of 52 per cent — fully breastfed at three months, and having the lowest proportion of teenagers who brush their teeth twice a day.
Boroondara residents drank soft the least often, with four per cent opening a bottle every day.
This was followed by Darebin, Banyule and Yarra at six per cent, below the state average of 12 per cent.
Cancer Council Australia’s Chair of the Public Health Committee, Craig Sinclair said Victorians had a “serious problem” with soft drink consumption.
“Sugary drinks shouldn’t be part of a daily diet,” Mr Sinclair said.
“Given that a regular 600ml soft drink contains about 16 teaspoons of sugar, this is a dangerous level of consumption that can lead to serious health issues.”