Module 3 - The Public Health Toll of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs)

Zoom into a specific case study (SSBs) as a concrete example of corporate-fueled harm.

Course Overview

In this module, you will explore the growing public health crisis linked to sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). You will learn what SSBs are, how they are marketed and consumed, and why they are a major driver of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, kidney disease, and tooth decay.

FAQ

SSBs are non-alcoholic drinks that contain added or free sugars, including soft drinks, energy drinks, sweetened juices, flavored drinks, and similar beverages with little or no nutritional value.

SSBs contribute significantly to excess calorie intake and are strongly linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, certain cancers, and oral health problems.

Artificial sweeteners contain little or no calories, but emerging research raises concerns about metabolic effects and gut health. The WHO advises against relying on non-sugar sweeteners for weight control.

Low-income populations, urban residents, and youth are disproportionately affected due to aggressive marketing, affordability, and high availability.

Evidence-based measures include SSB taxation, restricting marketing and sales in certain settings, public education campaigns, and promoting healthier alternatives.

Course Videos

Instructor

Francis Fagbule

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Dr. Omotayo Francis Fagbule is a distinguished public health scientist and academician, specializing in community dentistry, global health, and tobacco control. He is widely acknowledged for his substantial contributions to research, education, and public health advocacy. His research focuses on the commercial determinants of health, with particular interest in tobacco control, oral health promotion and the prevention of noncommunicable diseases among adolescents and underserved populations. Dr. Fagbule is an active member of several professional organisations, including the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT), the International Association of Dental Research (IADR), the Association of Dental Public Health Practitioners of Nigeria (ADPHP), the Society for Adolescent and Young People’s Health in Nigeria (SAYPHIN), the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA). He is a member of the Africa Centre for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research (ATIM) and the Society for Research on Nicotine Tobacco (SRNT), USA. Away from research and public health practice, Dr. Fagbule loves public speaking, dancing, and travelling.