Prime Minister Hun Manet has issued a stern warning about the growing health risks posed by children’s consumption of sugary drinks, highlighting the long-term impact these beverages could have on the nation's health.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the annual meeting of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport on February 26, the prime minister emphasised the dangers of energy drinks, which he explained are not intended for children but have become increasingly popular among them.

“Energy drinks are not meant for children, yet they consume them frequently,” he cautioned.

“This is a serious concern and a long-term issue. If you develop diabetes, you become a burden, not an asset,” he added.

The event, themed “Developing Human Capital Towards Achieving Cambodia’s Vision 2050”, saw Manet urge parents, educators and vendors to recognise the health risks associated with sugary drinks.

He referenced the increasing number of children being treated for diabetes at Kantha Bopha Hospital and stressed that a lack of parental awareness often contributes to unhealthy habits, including excessive consumption of sugary beverages.

Iv Malene, deputy director of Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital in Phnom Penh, consults with a family. Supplied

In his address, the Prime Minister also shared an alarming anecdote from a doctor in Singapore, who noted a worrying trend in developing countries: diabetes is increasingly affecting people in their 30s and 40s – individuals who have consumed sugary drinks since childhood.

“We assume that people in that age group develop diabetes due to recent consumption, but that is not the case,” Hun Manet explained.

“They have been drinking sugary beverages since childhood,” he reiterated.

Rising concerns over unhealthy habits

The prime minister’s remarks come as Cambodia grapples with rising health concerns, particularly among its younger population.

In December 2024, the education ministry took action by issuing a directive which banned the consumption, distribution, display and advertising of energy drinks in and around public and private school campuses.

This directive, which aimed to curb the public health crisis, followed earlier moves by the government to improve health, hygiene and food safety in schools.

At Kantha Bopha Hospital, the growing number of children diagnosed with diabetes has raised alarms.

Over the past three decades, nearly 700 children have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes across the hospital’s branches in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

While the number of new cases is steady, the hospital remains concerned about the impact of lifestyle choices on childhood health.

Dr. Yey Channa, director of Jayavarman VII Hospital, explained that while type 1 diabetes is not caused by excessive sugar consumption, once diagnosed, children must carefully monitor their sugar intake.

He added that environmental factors, including exposure to certain viruses and milk types, can contribute to the development of the disease.

“When a child is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, the only treatment is insulin, which is a hormone produced by the pancreas,” he explained.

“Children with diabetes require lifelong insulin injections,” he added.

Global impact of excess sugar consumption

The dangers of sugary drinks extend beyond Cambodia, with global studies highlighting their detrimental effects.

The WHO reported that sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are linked to obesity, tooth decay and other health problems.

The WHO recommends that children reduce their intake of free sugars to less than 10 per cent of their total energy intake, with additional health benefits achievable by reducing this to below 5 per cent.

A study published in The BMJ (formerly the British Medical Journal) in June 2024, revealed a 23 per cent increase in global SSB consumption among children and adolescents between 1990 and 2018.

The research, based on data from the Global Dietary Database, examined SSB intake among 3- to 19-year-olds in 185 countries and found significant regional disparities.

According to the findings, Latin America and the Caribbean recorded the highest intake, averaging 9.1 servings per week, while South Asia had the lowest consumption at 1.3 servings per week.

The study also noted that older children, those living in urban areas, and those with more educated parents were more likely to consume sugary drinks.

Sub-Saharan Africa saw the most dramatic increase, with SSB intake rising by 106 per cent over the study period.

Researchers warn that the rise in sugary drink consumption has paralleled the global surge in childhood obesity, highlighting the need for urgent policy interventions.

The study suggests that targeted efforts should focus on regions with the highest consumption rates and emerging markets, where the impact of sugary beverages on public health is becoming increasingly concerning.

Preventive measures

The WHO suggests offering water or milk to children under one year old, developing a regular tooth-brushing routine, and limiting sweet drinks to promote healthier food choices.

It recommends several strategies to help children avoid sugary drinks and establish healthy habits from an early age.

Encouraging children to drink from a cup instead of a bottle can help reduce prolonged exposure to sugary beverages, which can contribute to tooth decay.

Additionally, limiting sugary drinks can help maintain a child’s appetite for more nutritious foods, promoting overall health and well-being.

As part of broader efforts to safeguard public health, the prime minister’s message underscored the importance of collaboration between parents, educators and government agencies in curbing the rising tide of health issues related to sugary beverage consumption.