Sugary drinks linked to dramatic rise in liver cancer risk among women, study warns

07/25/2025 / By Ava Grace

Women who drank one or more sugary beverages daily faced an 85 percent higher risk of liver cancer and a 68 percent greater chance of dying from chronic liver disease compared to infrequent consumers.
Researchers tracked nearly 100,000 postmenopausal women over 20 years, revealing a strong link between sugary drinks and liver damage — artificially sweetened drinks did not show the same risks.
Chronic liver conditions like cirrhosis and liver cancer are surging, with 40 percent of liver cancer patients lacking traditional risk factors, suggesting diet plays a key role.
Processed sugars in sodas and energy drinks contribute to fatty liver disease (NAFLD), affecting 1 in 3 Americans, unlike natural sugars in whole fruits.
While the study doesn’t prove causation, experts urge reducing sugary drink intake and opting for water, herbal teas or unsweetened alternatives to lower liver disease risks.

For decades, public health campaigns have warned about the dangers of alcohol on the liver. But new research suggests another common indulgence may be just as harmful — sugar-sweetened beverages. A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Network reveals that women who drank one or more sugary drinks daily faced an 85 percent higher risk of liver cancer and a 68 percent greater chance of dying from chronic liver disease compared to those who rarely consumed them.

The study, conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, followed nearly 100,000 postmenopausal women over two decades, making it one of the most comprehensive investigations into the link between sugary drinks and liver health. The findings add to mounting evidence that excessive sugar consumption — long tied to obesity and diabetes — may also be fueling a silent epidemic of liver disease. (Related: Black coffee linked to longer life, but sugary drinks cancel benefits, study finds.)

The study: A stark warning for daily soda drinkers

Between 1993 and 1998, researchers enrolled 98,786 women aged 50 to 79 in the Women’s Health Initiative, tracking their beverage habits and health outcomes. By March 2020, follow-up data showed alarming trends:

Women who drank one or more sugar-sweetened beverages daily had nearly double the risk of liver cancer.

The same group was 68 percent more likely to die from chronic liver disease than those who consumed fewer than three sugary drinks per month.

Notably, artificially sweetened beverages did not show the same risks, though experts caution against assuming they are a safe alternative.

Why this matters: A growing liver disease crisis

Liver disease is no longer just a concern for heavy drinkers. Chronic liver conditions — including cirrhosis, fibrosis and hepatitis — are rising at an alarming rate, with liver cancer cases tripling in the U.S. since the 1980s. In 2023 alone, doctors expect to diagnose over 41,000 new cases.

While obesity, diabetes and alcohol abuse are well-known risk factors, this study suggests sugary drinks may be an overlooked culprit. Shockingly, 40 percent of liver cancer patients have none of the traditional risk factors, raising questions about the role of diet.

The sugar problem: A national health crisis

Americans consume sugar-sweetened beverages at staggering rates — approximately 65 percent of adults drink them daily. Sodas, fruit punches and energy drinks are loaded with high-fructose corn syrup and other refined sugars, which overwhelm the liver, leading to fat accumulation, inflammation, and eventually, irreversible damage.

Unlike naturally occurring sugars in whole fruits, processed sugars in beverages spike blood glucose levels and contribute to metabolic dysfunction. Over time, this can trigger non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition now affecting nearly one in three Americans.

What’s next? A call for public health action

While this study was observational — meaning it doesn’t prove causation — the strong correlation demands attention. Lead researcher Longgang Zhao emphasized that if confirmed, these findings could shape new dietary guidelines to curb liver disease.

For now, experts advise moderation. An occasional sweetened drink may not be disastrous, but daily consumption appears to carry serious risks. Healthier alternatives — such as water, herbal teas or naturally flavored sparkling water — could help mitigate the damage.

Rethinking beverage choices

The evidence is clear: Sugar-sweetened beverages aren’t just empty calories — they may be silently damaging one of the body’s most vital organs. As liver disease continues its relentless climb, this study serves as a wake-up call. Public health officials, policymakers and individuals must reconsider the role of sugary drinks in diets before the consequences become irreversible.

For those looking to protect their liver, cutting back on added sugars is a crucial first step. The liver may not send a thank-you note, but the long-term benefits could be life-saving.

Watch this video that talks about the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages being associated with greater risk of liver cancer.

This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.