The awareness of energy drinks in the United Kingdom and the associated health implications

Abstract

Energy drinks are becoming a growing public health issue.  Due to their popularity, there are growing concerns about the impacts of young people and children overconsuming them. This  includes effects on people’s mental health especially increased risked of anxiety, stress, depression and suicidal thoughts. Energy drinks are full of caffeine, sugar and other stimulators that can also have a negative effect on your physical health such as high blood pressure, an increased heart rate, dehydration and insomnia. This literature-based study aims to critically analyse relevant available literature about energy drinks and the effects on health to measure how big the problem is in the UK. A study from the Association for the Study of Obesity highlights that the UK government ran a consultation on ending the sale of energy drinks to children under 16 in a 2019 green paper but has still been no further action.