Women who consume soft drinks daily may be at a higher risk of developing liver cancer and chronic hepatitis, according to a recent observational study. The study, led by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, followed nearly 100,000 postmenopausal women for over 20 years as part of the Women’s Health Initiative.

The findings revealed that women who consume sugar-sweetened beverages at least once a day are more susceptible to diseases such as liver cancer and chronic hepatitis. This study is the first to report an association between sugar-sweetened beverage intake and chronic liver disease mortality, according to first author Longgang Zhao of the Brigham’s Channing Division of Network Medicine.

Soft drinks, due to their high sugar and soda content, pose significant health risks, including obesity, diabetes, cancer, liver damage, digestive issues, and bone health problems. The researchers examined self-reported liver cancer incidence and deaths due to chronic liver disease.

Furthermore, the study highlighted that the risks associated with regular soft drink consumption are even higher for women compared to men. Women face an elevated risk of liver cancer, high-risk pregnancy, heart conditions, and gout due to soft drink consumption.

Dr. Niti Kaushik, Director & H.O.D- Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Fortis Escorts Hospital Faridabad, emphasized the negative effects of high-sugar beverages on women’s health. She pointed out that soft drinks, often loaded with sugars and lacking nutritional value, can have deleterious effects on females.