How far do you have to run to burn off your sugary drink habit?

A new, thought-provoking video launched today shows how much exercise you would need to do to burn off your sugary drink habit –52km of running each week in some cases! 

The video, from the leading health groups behind the Rethink Sugary Drink campaign, is also supported by VicHealth and highlights the significant health problems associated with regular consumption of sugar-laden drinks - including type-2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.

Cancer Council Australia Public Health Committee Chair, Craig Sinclair, said the average person would have to run 3km to burn off the sugar in just one regular 600ml bottle of soft drink.

“Teenagers and young adults, especially males, are the biggest indulgers when it comes to downing sugary drinks on a regular basis, with some young men aged 19-30 years consuming a staggering 1.5L per day¹,” Mr Sinclair said.

“To burn off their sugary drink habit they would have to run more than 52km a week – the same as running from Flinders Street Station in Melbourne to Mornington.”

Meanwhile, the average sugary drink consumer aged 19-30 guzzles around 590ml per day. To burn off their sugary drink habit they would have to run almost 19km each week – the same as running from Melbourne Airport to Melbourne Zoo.

Mr Sinclair said the new video serves as a reminder of the high volume of sugar in these drinks and how regular consumption is bad for our health.

 “Just one 600ml bottle of soft drink contains around 16 teaspoons of sugar. Too much sugar can lead to weight gain and obesity increasing your risk of disease. It can also lead to tooth decay,” Mr Sinclair said.

 “With 63% of Australian adults currently overweight or obese², it is critical that people realise how unhealthy these drinks are and start to choose water instead.”

VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter said there was nothing sweet about sugary drinks.

“Sugary drinks are packed full of sugar, which may give you a quick buzz but they deliver excess kilojoules and little or no nutritional value - which you simply cannot outrun,” Ms Rechter said.

“Water on the other hand, is good for us, and as this new video shows, it is natural, free and refreshing. 

“There are so many simple ways to introduce more water into your life – carry around a water bottle with you or mix it up with some berries and mint.” 

The 30 and 60-second versions of the new video will be part of a targeted digital campaign and will feature extensively on social media.