Health. This common habit is a real danger to the health of young adults.

Using data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study, researchers analyzed trends in mortality attributable to sugary drinks (1990–2021) for diabetes, stroke, and coronary heart disease in 204 countries. A mathematical model was then used to project mortality trajectories through 2051.

Already, the number of global deaths attributable to sugary drinks has increased from 27,286 in 1990 to 74,657 in 2021! Diabetes-related mortality has been steadily increasing with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 0.852%, meaning that mortality increases by an average of 0.85% each year.

The mortality rate due to strokes has decreased overall (AAPC: -1.554%). But when we look at young adults aged 25 to 29, mortality due to stroke has increased very sharply (AAPC: 1.192%). Similarly, while mortality from coronary heart disease has decreased overall (AAPC: -0.793%), it has also increased among young adults (AAPC: 0.948%).

"Projections to 2051 predict a dramatic increase in mortality linked to sugary drinks among 25-29 year-olds, with a 400% increase in strokes, a 72.73% increase in diabetes, and a 61.79% increase in coronary heart disease," announce the authors of the study, which will be detailed at the European Diabetes Congress (September 16-19, 2025, Vienna, Austria). Unsurprisingly, regions with a medium-low socioeconomic index will be the most affected.

Thus, despite the global decline in stroke and coronary heart disease mortality, young adults are experiencing a rapid increase in sugary drink- related mortality, revealing a mismatch between global trends and vulnerabilities in this age group.

According to the authors, age-targeted policies should be considered (taxation of sugary drinks, dietary regulations aimed at young people, investments in prevention) to curb this crisis and avoid the predicted disaster.

These projections are certainly alarming, but they are in line with other models already published.

Coincidentally, in England, energy drinks could soon be banned for children under 16. The government, which aims to improve the physical and mental health of young people and combat obesity, launched a consultation in early September to limit the sale of drinks containing more than 150 mg of caffeine per liter, including leading brands such as Red Bull, Monster, and Prime Energy.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting points out that these products disrupt sleep, reduce concentration, increase anxiety, and that their sugarier versions promote obesity and tooth decay. In England, around one in three teenagers aged 13 to 16, and nearly one in four children aged 11 to 12, consume one or more of these drinks every week.

According to official estimates, such a ban could prevent obesity in 40,000 children and generate public health benefits worth tens of millions of pounds.