A University of Waterloo study projects that sugary drink consumption will result in more than 63,000 deaths over the next 25 years and cost the health-care system more than $50 billion.
Consumption of high-sugar drinks has been linked to weight gain as well as an increased risk of associated medical conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke, and some cancers.
Although non-diet soft drink sales have fallen over the last 12 years, that decline has been offset by increased consumption of energy drinks, flavoured waters, sweetened coffees and flavoured dairy products.
The study found per capita sales of energy drinks rose by 638 per cent between 2001 and 2015.
Over the next 25 years, the researchers predict that sugary drink consumption will be responsible for more than one million Canadians being overweight and more than three million becoming obese.