A study has been carried out by researchers to prove the effectiveness of warning labels on sugary drinks. Recently, a suggestion of sugary beverages being affixed with health warning label is gaining attention. Many cities and states are making efforts to pass this legislation. The success of these labels is anticipated to discourage people from buying the sugary drinks. The anticipation comes after a study and the fact that warning labels on tobacco and alcohol products are successful.

The study involved 2,381 parents completing online surveys. The participating parents had to choose one beverage out of 20 options for their child and also answer questions regarding the health quotient of the drinks. Out of the given options, 12 contained a minimum of 75 calories from added sugars and were therefore considered sugar-sweetened. The remaining eight drinks were water, juices and diet sodas.

Some parents were shown the drink image that had a warning label on it, while some were shown pictures of drinks with a calorie label on the front of the bottle. Then there were others who viewed drinks without any of the two labels. Based on the response of the parents, it was concluded that parents were less likely to select the sugary beverage that had health warning label affixed on it. 53% of the parents who viewed calorie-labeled drinks chose them, while only 40% of the parents who saw the sugar health warning chose the drink. Furthermore, 60% of the parents who were not shown any labels chose the drink.

In Baltimore, the legislation to affix the health warning, on sugary beverages causing tooth decay, obesity and diabetes, has been introduced. “Parents are telling us they would like information to level the playing field. They want to have accurate information for themselves and their children," said Leana Wen, Baltimore’s Health Commissioner.