In a decisive move to safeguard public health, Kazakhstan has implemented a ban on the sale of energy drinks to individuals under the age of 21. The new legislation, which took effect in January 2025, is aimed at reducing sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption among children and adolescents to protect them from numerous noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) later in life. The initiative aligns with global efforts to address the increasing burden of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases linked to excessive sugar intake.

Addressing the Health Crisis

Scientific research has long established that excessive consumption of sugary beverages, particularly energy drinks, contributes to the rising prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. In the WHO European Region, sugar-sweetened soft drinks remain a primary source of excessive sugar intake among children.

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Health has reported that over 40% of school-aged children in the country consume energy drinks regularly, raising concerns over the growing NCD burden. “The new legislation is a welcome step toward safeguarding people’s health and reducing sugar intake among young people, aligning with WHO recommendations,” said Dr. Skender Syla, WHO Representative to Kazakhstan. “By limiting access to energy drinks, Kazakhstan can improve public health on multiple levels, from tackling childhood obesity to reducing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.”

Overcoming Industry Resistance

The road to implementing this progressive regulation was met with resistance from the beverage industry, which argued that the ban infringes on consumer choice and economic freedoms. Industry stakeholders lobbied against the legislation, emphasizing potential financial losses and questioning the effectiveness of government intervention in dietary habits.

However, Kazakhstan’s health advocates and policymakers remained resolute, citing extensive scientific evidence supporting the need to protect young people from the harmful effects of excessive sugar consumption. “WHO/Europe’s reports and policy briefs on obesity have significantly contributed to policy discussions, helping to counter misinformation and build public support for the initiative,” said Kazakhstan’s Minister of Health, Dr. Akmaral Alnazarova.

Strengthening Public Health Policies

To support Kazakhstan’s efforts, WHO/Europe has published a new policy brief on the link between SSB consumption and childhood obesity. The document provides evidence-based policy recommendations, including:

Implementing SSB taxation to discourage excessive consumption and generate revenue for public health initiatives.

Enhancing public food procurement policies to prioritize healthier beverage options in schools and public institutions.

Regulating marketing and labeling to ensure that young consumers are fully informed about the health risks of sugary drinks.

Promoting health education campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of SSBs and NCDs.

A Model for Other Nations

Kazakhstan’s bold approach serves as an example for other nations grappling with similar public health challenges. “Kazakhstan has demonstrated that strong political will, evidence-based policymaking, and collaboration with international health organizations can lead to meaningful progress in public health,” said Dr. Kremlin Wickramasinghe, WHO/Europe’s Regional Adviser for Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity.

While banning energy drinks for minors marks a significant step forward, continued efforts will be essential to address broader concerns related to SSB consumption. Expanding policies to include sugar taxes, stricter marketing regulations, and enhanced nutrition education will further strengthen the country’s fight against NCDs and support global health initiatives such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

By prioritizing public health over commercial interests, Kazakhstan sets a precedent for other countries to follow, demonstrating that informed policies and proactive measures can lead to a healthier future for the next generation.