Study: Every fifth student in Bishkek drinks energy drinks; ban under discussion

Availability and Health Risks

According to the results of a study conducted in Bishkek in 2026, a significant portion of adolescents regularly consumes energy drinks. Furthermore, these drinks are easily found near homes, educational institutions, and even in school cafeterias. The document's developers note that the high availability of products to minors necessitates the introduction of restrictive measures.

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1. Energy drink consumption among Bishkek students
2. The situation: 22% of Bishkek high school students consume energy drinks; 40% drink them at least three times a week; Products are easily found near schools and in cafeterias
3. 55 g — median sugar content per package
4. 25 grams — WHO recommended daily free sugar limit
5. Health risks. Regular consumption is linked to sleep disturbances and increased blood pressure in adolescents.
6. Study details: 231 high school students surveyed; 34 retail outlets inspected
7. What is next. The Cabinet of Ministers is preparing a draft resolution for a temporary six-month ban on energy drink imports into Kyrgyzstan.

The sugar level identified in the studied packages is more than twice the daily norm recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), which is 25 grams of free sugars per day.

Study Details

During the work, specialists inspected 34 retail outlets and surveyed 231 high school students. The data formed the basis of the explanatory note to the draft Cabinet of Ministers resolution on a temporary six-month ban on the import of energy drinks into Kyrgyzstan.

For comparison, according to National Statistical Committee data, the volume of non-alcoholic beverage imports to Kyrgyzstan in 2025 amounted to 274.4 million liters, totaling 11.4 billion som.