Hume residents are among the state’s largest consumers of sugary soft drinks, which increases their risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and cancer, health professionals warn.
A Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) report reveals 18 per cent of Hume residents consume a fizzy drink each day, against 12 per cent for the whole state.
In Whittlesea, 14 per cent of people have a daily sugary drink.
The figures have been released as part of a new campaign encouraging people to improve their dental health.
Rethink Sugary Drink, launched by a coalition of health groups including the Obesity Policy Coalition, is aimed at increasing awareness of the amount of sugar in soft drinks.
A 375-millilitre can has the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar, while a 600ml bottle has 16 teaspoons.
Obesity Policy Coalition executive manager Jane Martin said soft drink consumption was high in Melbourne’s north because there were more families struggling financially.
“Sugary drinks are cheaper to buy than milk,” she said. “The cost of a healthy diet can be relatively expensive when you’re spending a high proportion of income on food.” Males aged 16-24 were the main consumers of soft drinks, followed by families with children, she said.
Details at rethinksugarydrink.org.au
Laura Michell
