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Trend Of Drinking Sweet Drinks Among Students, Lifestyle And Health Threats
Thursday, 03 Apr 2025
Consumption of sweet drinks or Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) has become a habit among students. Dynamic lifestyles, busy lecture schedules, and easy access to high-sugar drinks make many students consume drinks such as coffee, milk, boba, soda, and energy drinks to accompany their activities. According to the Nutrition Journal of Surabaya State University, as many as 41% of students have a frequency of consuming packaged sweet drinks more than once a week. This is because these packaged sweet drinks are often consumed with peers and have a sweet and delicious taste. This is also supported by the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) report, which shows that over 40% of the 19-29 year old age group or young adults have a habit of consuming sweet drinks with a frequency of 1-6 times per week. The majority in this age group are students or workers, who have the perception that sweet drinks are social drinks that are often served at meetings, and are consumed continuously. Various reasons for consuming sweet drinks become a habit, one of which is the need for an instant energy source. In short, drinks that provide more empty calories than benefits or significant nutritional content.
In the midst of a busy lecture schedule and high academic demands, what is often sought after is a drink that can help increase focus and stamina. Coffee milk and energy drinks are top picks, because the caffeine and sugar content can provide a quick energy boost, helping them stay awake while studying or doing assignments.
In addition to the need factor, social and cultural trends also play a big role in increasing SSB consumption among students. The presence of various cafes around campus and promotions through social media make this drink part of a modern lifestyle. The living environment, ease of access, and forms of self-reward and medicine when stressed are also supporting factors for consuming SSB. The main attraction of sweet drinks is of course the taste which is more interesting than plain water. The various flavors offered make it a favorite choice for students. In addition, affordability is also an important factor. Many sweet drink booths are sold at economical prices, becoming a special attraction for students. However, behind its popularity, many students are still unaware of the health impacts of excessive consumption of sweet drinks. Excessive consumption of sweet drinks can cause various negative impacts on health, one of which is an increased risk of obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The added sugar content in these drinks can cause fat accumulation in the body, which if consumed excessively, has the potential to trigger significant weight gain. In addition, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), excessive sugar intake can increase the risk of metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, especially if not balanced with a healthy lifestyle. Although sweet drinks can provide an instant energy boost, the effect is only temporary. After a spike in blood sugar, the body will experience a drastic decrease in sugar levels which can cause fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and reduce productivity in carrying out daily activities.
