Can increased GST on cold drinks help curb obesity? An endocrinologist explains

Consumption of aerated drinks is the quickest way to raise blood sugar

Written by Dr Richa Chaturvedi
September 4, 2025 02:27 PM IST

3 min read

The high sugar content in these drinks, courtesy the added sugar in them, increases caloric consumption, putting people at risk of weight gain and obesity. (File Photo)

The increased GST on aerated, sweetened and flavoured beverages — including carbonated and caffeinated drinks — from 28 per cent to 40 per cent is a move in the right direction. Concerted efforts at the policy level, healthcare level and individual level are required to curb rising incidence of diabetes and obesity in the country.

As per the new norms, carbonated fruit drinks, fruit-juice-based fizzy beverages, non-alcoholic flavoured drinks and all aerated waters containing added sugar or sweeteners will come under the 40 per cent GST category.

Why aerated drinks raise blood sugar risk

The high sugar content in these drinks, courtesy the added sugar in them, increases caloric consumption, putting people at risk of weight gain and obesity.

Frequent consumption builds addictive behaviour, which is associated with a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes due to insulin spikes and associated weight gain. The sugar from aerated drinks is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream because they have no other nutrient, like protein, fibre and fat, to slow down the breakdown of sugar. This leads to quick, sharp spikes in blood glucose and insulin levels. Over time, repeated exposure to these high sugar spikes can overwhelm the body’s insulin response, leading to insulin resistance and increasing the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Fruit juices contain fructose, which is quickly digested and absorbed into the bloodstream, causing a rapid increase in blood glucose levels.

The liver can become overwhelmed by high fructose intake from these drinks. This leads to accumulation of visceral fat, leading to the development of fatty liver. Besides, such drinks trigger inflammation, which damages blood vessels and raises risk of cardiovascular diseases. Aerated/soft drinks also negatively affect oral health by eroding tooth enamel and increasing the risk of tooth decay. Regular consumption can lead to poor nutrition because aerated drinks provide zero nutrients.

What do studies say?

The evidence is enormous. A 2025 meta-analysis showed drinking sugar-sweetened beverages increased the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. A long-term Harvard study following over 90,000 women found that those who drank at least one soda daily doubled their risk of Type 2 diabetes compared to those who drank less than one per month. A 2020 Mexican study found that adults who drank five or more soft drinks per week had a significantly higher risk of Type 2 diabetes. Some research indicates that artificial sweeteners alter the gut microbiome and potentially disrupt the body’s ability to regulate insulin and blood sugar.

Has the sin tax on sugary drinks worked in countries that adopted it?

Yes, it has, particularly in Mexico, the UK and South Africa. The increased prices reduced the sale and consumption of beverages in the short term and even led to reformulation of products to reduce sugar levels or encourage alternatives.

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These, of course, have to be complemented with public awareness campaigns and other healthcare policy measures. Even the WHO supports sin tax on sugary drinks as a tool for controlling obesity.