DR KATHERINE THURBER Research Fellow, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Program, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University
Sugary drinks and water in remote areas Who is drinking sugary drinks?
(59%) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
There is great potential to improve health by
children aged 2–17 years are drinking sugar-
reducing sugary drink intake by young Aboriginal
sweetened drinks every week, with one in five
and Torres Strait Islander children, and by all
children having sugary drinks every day.
children in Australia. However, achieving this will require more than nutrition programs alone. Recent (2018–2019) data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics tells us that more than half
Consumption of sugary drinks starts early in life: 38% of two- to three-year-old children are having sugary drinks every week, with 14% having these drinks every day.
The Health Advocate • FEBRUARY 2020
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