Grant: Knowledge Synthesis Grant

Cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes are examples of chronic diseases that impose significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most chronic diseases are associated with underlying preventable risk factors, such as elevated blood pressure, high blood glucose or glucose intolerance, high lipid levels, physical inactivity, excessive sedentary behaviors, overweight and obesity, and tobacco use. Some researchers propose that sugar-sweetened beverages are significant sources of calories and recent attention has been given to their contribution in the development of chronic diseases. In parallel with media attention regarding sugar-sweetened beverages, the scientific literature has been rapidly accumulating as of late. Systematic reviews of the evidence are important in order to collect and assess the relevant evidence to answer health questions. Such systematic reviews exist in this area but mainly evaluate individual outcomes (for example, cardiovascular disease), have important issues with their methods, and may now be out-of-date. To address those concerns, we will conduct a systematic review to assess whether consuming sugar-sweetened beverages causes adverse health outcomes in adults. This review will be of interest to the general public, healthcare professionals, and policy makers.