A cardiologist based in Gombe, Dr Abubakar Sani, has warned that excessive consumption of sugary drinks significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases in children, including heart disease, hypertension and Type 2 diabetes, according to an interview published on January 13, 2026 with the News Agency of Nigeria.
He said the trend is a growing public health concern as consumption of sugar‑sweetened beverages rises among young people.
Dr Sani, a consultant cardiologist at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, explained that sugar‑sweetened beverages, which include carbonated and non‑carbonated soft drinks as well as fruit drinks with added sugars, contribute to the development of non‑communicable diseases.
He said that frequent intake of such drinks predisposes children to metabolic and cardiovascular strain, particularly as schools resume across the country and consumption patterns shift.
“Many parents regularly include numerous sugary juices and other SSBs in their children’s school lunch, which are unhealthy for them,”
Dr Sani said, highlighting parental influence on children’s dietary habits. He stressed that consumption patterns established early in life can have lasting impacts, potentially setting the stage for chronic health conditions in adulthood.
In addition to heart disease and hypertension risks, Dr Sani warned that children who drink too many sugary beverages are also at elevated risk of obesity and severe tooth decay, conditions linked to a high‑sugar diet.
He noted that these health risks strain families and the broader health system and emphasised that simple changes in beverage choices could yield substantial health benefits.
The expert urged parents to prioritise water as the best choice for hydration, encouraging its provision both at home and in school settings to reduce dependence on sugar‑laden drinks.
He said reducing sugary drink consumption could help curb the escalating burden of non‑communicable diseases that increasingly affect younger populations.
Global health research corroborates the association between sugary drink consumption and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and related conditions.
Studies indicate that frequent intake of added sugars from beverages is linked to weight gain, elevated blood pressure and insulin resistance, all of which are established risk factors for heart disease and diabetes.
World Health Organization guidance identifies sugary drinks as a major source of added sugars with low nutritional value, recommending reduced consumption to support healthier diets and reduce the risk of chronic diseases across age groups.
As Nigeria continues to address rising rates of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, health professionals say targeted public health messaging and community education are essential to promote balanced diets and reduce reliance on sugar‑sweetened beverages among children and adolescents.
The expert advice comes amid broader discussions on nutrition and non‑communicable disease prevention, with calls for policy measures that support healthier food environments for children and families nationwide.
