Researchers used computer models to predict what would happen if people couldn’t buy sugary drinks with food stamps (SNAP benefits). They found this change could prevent 279,000 cases of obesity over 10 years and save $2.75 billion in healthcare costs. The biggest benefits would go to low-income families and Black and Hispanic communities, who currently have higher rates of obesity. For every dollar spent making this change happen, the country would save $3.35 in healthcare costs.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether removing sugary drinks from the list of foods people can buy with SNAP benefits (food stamps) would improve health and save money
  • Who participated: This was a computer simulation study that looked at all SNAP participants across the United States, focusing on different income levels and racial groups
  • Key finding: The policy could prevent 279,000 cases of obesity and save $2.75 billion in healthcare costs over 10 years, with the biggest benefits for low-income and minority communities
  • What it means for you: If you use SNAP benefits, this change could help your family stay healthier, though you’d need to find other ways to buy sugary drinks if you want them

The Research Details

This study used a special computer program called a microsimulation model to predict what might happen if sugary drinks were removed from SNAP. Think of it like a very advanced calculator that takes information about how people currently eat, their health, and their spending habits, then predicts what would change if this new rule was put in place. The researchers looked at data from 2023 to 2032 to see the long-term effects.

Computer simulations like this are useful because they can test policy changes before they actually happen. This helps lawmakers understand if a change would be worth making and how it might affect different groups of people differently.

The study used established methods and included uncertainty ranges for their predictions, which means they acknowledged their estimates might not be exactly right. However, since this is based on computer modeling rather than real-world testing, the actual results could be different.

What the Results Show

The computer model predicted that removing sugary drinks from SNAP would prevent 279,000 cases of obesity over 10 years. This would also lead to 115,000 quality-adjusted life years gained, which is a way scientists measure both how long people live and how healthy those years are. The policy would save $2.75 billion in healthcare costs, mainly from treating fewer cases of diabetes, heart disease, and other weight-related health problems. For every dollar spent implementing this change, the healthcare system would save $3.35.

The benefits wouldn’t be the same for everyone. People with very low incomes (at or below 130% of the poverty level) would see obesity reductions 3.5 times greater than the average person. Black and Hispanic individuals would benefit 3 to 3.5 times more than white individuals, which could help reduce health disparities between racial groups.

This study builds on previous research showing that sugary drinks contribute significantly to obesity and related health problems. Other studies have suggested that policies targeting sugary drinks can be effective, but this is one of the first to specifically look at removing them from SNAP benefits.

This study used computer predictions rather than real-world testing, so the actual results might be different. The researchers also couldn’t account for all the ways people might change their behavior, such as buying sugary drinks with cash instead of SNAP benefits, or how stores might respond to the policy change.

The Bottom Line

The evidence suggests that removing sugary drinks from SNAP could improve health and save money, especially for low-income and minority communities. However, this should be tested in pilot programs first to see how it works in real life before being implemented nationwide.

SNAP participants and their families would be most directly affected. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and anyone interested in reducing health disparities should also pay attention to these findings.

If implemented, the researchers predict meaningful health benefits would build up over several years, with the full impact visible after about 10 years.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your daily sugary drink consumption, including sodas, energy drinks, and sweetened teas, noting both quantity and timing
  • Gradually replace one sugary drink per day with water, unsweetened tea, or other beverages not containing added sugars
  • Monitor weekly sugary drink consumption trends and set monthly reduction goals, while tracking any changes in energy levels and cravings

This research presents computer model predictions, not real-world results. Individual health outcomes may vary. Consult with healthcare providers before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have existing health conditions.