That is according to researchers at the University of Bristol and the University of Bangor who suggested that this desensitisation could result in people being less satisfied by the so-called sweet fix provided by sugary drinks.
This, in turn, may result in people looking for other sweet and calorific foods to satisfy their dulled taste buds.
Dr Hans-Peter Kubis at the University of Bangor's School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, who led the study, said: "It is clear to see how this situation may have created a cycle of sweet food and drink consumption. As taste satisfaction levels drop; the more sweet foods are consumed, contributing to these problems."
A possible answer to the problem could be to introduce a tax on sugar-filled drinks and snacks, according to Dr Kubis.
Oldham council have announced that they will now not be introducing a so-called fat tax on fast-food chains in the city.
