Researchers surveyed over 10,000 adults in Beijing to understand why so many people drink sugary drinks like soda and juice. They found that nearly 4 out of 10 adults regularly consume these beverages. The study identified key reasons: people who don’t read nutrition labels, don’t track their weight, eat out frequently, and don’t know about the health risks of sugary drinks are much more likely to consume them. The findings suggest that education about nutrition and the dangers of sugar could help reduce consumption, especially among young men and city dwellers.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Why do so many adults in Beijing drink sugary beverages like soda, sweet tea, and sugary juice drinks?
  • Who participated: 10,409 adults aged 18-64 living in Beijing, China, representing a mix of ages, genders, and neighborhoods
  • Key finding: About 39% of Beijing adults regularly drink sugary beverages. People who don’t read food labels, eat out more than once a week, and lack knowledge about sugar’s health risks are 3-7 times more likely to drink these beverages regularly.
  • What it means for you: If you frequently eat out, skip reading nutrition information, or aren’t aware of how much sugar damages your health, you’re at higher risk of drinking too many sugary drinks. Learning about nutrition and being mindful when eating out could help you reduce consumption.

The Research Details

Researchers conducted a large survey from June 2024 to May 2025, asking over 10,000 Beijing residents about their eating and drinking habits, knowledge about nutrition, and health behaviors. This is called a ‘cross-sectional study,’ which is like taking a snapshot of a population at one point in time rather than following people over years. Participants answered questions about how often they drink sugary beverages, whether they read nutrition labels, how much they exercise, and what they know about the health effects of sugar. The researchers then used statistical analysis to identify which factors were most strongly connected to drinking sugary drinks.

This type of study is valuable because it can quickly identify patterns and risk factors in a large population. By surveying thousands of people at once, researchers can spot which groups are most vulnerable and what behaviors or knowledge gaps are most important to address. This helps public health officials design better education programs and interventions.

This study has several strengths: it included a large number of participants (over 10,000), which makes the results more reliable. However, because it’s a snapshot study rather than following people over time, we can’t be completely certain that the identified factors actually cause higher sugary drink consumption—they’re just strongly associated with it. The study was conducted in Beijing, so results may not apply equally to other cities or countries with different food cultures.

What the Results Show

The research found that nearly 4 out of every 10 Beijing adults (38.7%) regularly consume sugar-sweetened beverages. Several factors were strongly linked to higher consumption. People who rarely check nutrition labels when shopping were 35-57% more likely to drink sugary beverages. Those who eat out or order takeout more than once a week were 3.5 to 6.7 times more likely to consume these drinks—this was the strongest risk factor found. Adults who don’t actively monitor their weight were 29-43% more likely to drink sugary beverages. People who exercise less than 300 minutes per week (the recommended amount) were 24-33% more likely to consume these drinks. Importantly, people who lack knowledge about the health risks of sugary drinks were 24-36% more likely to consume them regularly.

The study also identified that certain groups are at higher risk: men drink more sugary beverages than women, younger adults (18-35) drink more than older adults, and people living in urban areas drink more than those in less developed areas. These groups should be priority targets for public health education campaigns. The research also showed that people who don’t actively monitor their weight tend to drink more sugary beverages, suggesting that weight awareness might be connected to overall health consciousness.

This research aligns with previous studies showing that sugary drink consumption is a major public health concern in many countries. The finding that eating out frequently increases consumption matches other research showing that restaurant and takeout foods tend to have more added sugar. The connection between low nutrition knowledge and higher consumption has been documented in other populations as well, supporting the idea that education is an important intervention strategy.

This study was conducted only in Beijing, so the results may not apply to other Chinese cities or countries with different food cultures and eating habits. Because the study took a snapshot at one point in time rather than following people over months or years, we can’t prove that these factors actually cause higher sugary drink consumption—only that they’re associated with it. The study relied on people self-reporting their habits, which means some people might not remember accurately or might underreport their actual consumption. Additionally, the study didn’t measure actual sugar intake amounts, only whether people consume these beverages regularly.

The Bottom Line

If you want to reduce sugary drink consumption, start by reading nutrition labels when shopping and eating out (high confidence). Try to limit eating out to once a week or less, as restaurant meals tend to have more hidden sugars (high confidence). Increase your physical activity to at least 300 minutes per week of moderate exercise (high confidence). Learn about the health risks of sugary drinks—they contribute to weight gain, diabetes, and tooth decay (high confidence). Consider tracking your weight weekly as a motivator for healthier choices (moderate confidence).

This research is especially important for young men and urban residents, who the study identified as consuming the most sugary beverages. Anyone who eats out frequently should pay special attention. Parents should also care about this research, as the habits formed in young adulthood often continue into later life. People with diabetes risk factors or weight concerns should prioritize reducing sugary drink intake. However, this research doesn’t apply to people with certain medical conditions who may need specific dietary guidance from their doctor.

You might notice changes in energy levels and weight within 2-4 weeks of reducing sugary drinks. More significant health benefits, like improved blood sugar control and reduced diabetes risk, typically appear after 3-6 months of consistent reduction. Long-term benefits to heart health and dental health develop over years of maintaining lower consumption.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily sugary beverage consumption by counting servings (one serving = one can of soda, one bottle of sweet tea, or one cup of sweetened juice). Set a weekly goal to reduce by one serving, working toward zero or minimal consumption.
  • Use the app to log every time you eat out or order takeout, then note what sugary drinks you consumed. This awareness helps identify patterns. Set reminders to read nutrition labels before purchasing drinks. Create a checklist of sugar-free alternatives you enjoy (water, unsweetened tea, sparkling water) and track how often you choose these instead.
  • Weekly tracking of: (1) number of sugary beverages consumed, (2) number of times eating out, (3) minutes of moderate physical activity completed, and (4) weight (if appropriate). Review trends monthly to see if reducing eating-out frequency correlates with lower sugary drink consumption. Use the app’s goal-setting feature to gradually reduce consumption over 8-12 weeks.

This research identifies associations between certain behaviors and sugary drink consumption but does not prove direct cause-and-effect relationships. Individual health needs vary significantly based on personal medical history, medications, and existing health conditions. Before making major dietary changes, especially if you have diabetes, heart disease, or other chronic conditions, consult with your healthcare provider or registered dietitian. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. The study was conducted in Beijing and may not apply equally to all populations or geographic regions.