Have just ONE can of Coca Cola a week: Health experts issue new plea in bid to stem obesity crisis

If you’re about to reach for a second can of sugary pop, you may want to think again.

Experts have said people should drink a maximum of one sugary drink a week – or risk a host of health problems from heart attacks to cancer.

A major review of research into added sugars found excess consumption is linked to 45 different health conditions.

And those who enjoy sugary drinks – such a fizzy drinks, smoothies and fruit juices – could be at particular risk.

They are urging people to stick to the World Health Organizations’ six teaspoons a day to stave off the risks, ranging from diabetes to tooth decay.

This is the equivalent of a 45g bar of chocolate, five chocolate digestives or two 150ml glasses of fruit juice.

Scientists in the US and China reviewed evidence involving 8,601 articles covering 83 health outcomes in adults and children.

They found sugar sweetened beverage consumption was significantly associated with increased body weight.

For every sugary drink consumed, people have a 17 per cent higher risk of heart disease – which leads to heart attack and stroke, had a 4 per cent higher risk of death overall and 4 per cent higher risk of gout.

Significant harmful associations were found between dietary sugar consumption and 18 endocrine or metabolic issues including diabetes, gout and obesity.

It was also firmly linked to ten cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke as well as seven cancers including breast, prostate and pancreatic cancer.

Excess sugar was also associated with other health issues such asthma, tooth decay and depression, according to the findings published in the BMJ.

Even fructose, a naturally occurring sugar found in many fruit juices, was linked to an incremental 22 per cent increased risk of pancreatic cancer, for every 25g a day consumed.

The authors acknowledge that most of the evidence is observational, stating that further research is needed into the relationship between ‘free’ sugars and health issues.

But they recommend limiting the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages to less than one, 200-355ml serving a week – the equivalent of a standard can – and sugar to below 25g a day – approximately six teaspoons.

‘To change sugar consumption patterns, especially for children and adolescents, a combination of widespread public health education and policies worldwide is urgently needed,’ they said.