Search Results (242)

Background: Studies outside Japan have linked sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake with weight gain; however, evidence in Japanese adults is scarce, and no study has examined beverage-derived energy in relation to anthropometric indices and handgrip strength. Methods: The participants were employees of Fujita Health University aged 20–39 years (n = 76; male n = 35, average age: 29.97 ± 4.67 years; female n = 41, average age: 27.29 ± 4.53 years). Energy from beverage intake was assessed via the Brief Beverage Intake Questionnaire-15, and energy from alcoholic drinks, milk, SSBs, and total beverages was calculated. The associations of energy from different beverages with nutrient intake, BMI, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and handgrip strength were analyzed via ordinary least squares (OLS) regression; quantile regression (QR) and the generalized additive model (GAM) were used for sensitivity analyses. Results: Increased SSB intake was associated with increased BMI (standardized β = 0.35, 95% CI 0.12–0.58, p(OLS) < 0.001; p(QR) = 0.23; p(GAM) < 0.001) and was nonlinearly associated with increased SMI (standardized β = 0.21, 95% CI 0.043–0.37, p(OLS) = 0.02; p(QR) = 0.11; p(GAM) = 0.02), even after adjustment for total energy intake. Modest milk intake was linked to higher protein intake and a higher SMI without a higher BMI (standardized β = 0.18, 95% CI 0.020–0.35, p(OLS) = 0.03; p(QR) = 0.39; p(GAM) = 0.03). Conclusions: A positive association was found between SSB intake and both BMI and SMI and between MILK intake and SMI. Clarification in larger, diverse Japanese populations will be necessary. Full article

Beverages, particularly sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), pose a significant public health concern globally. Changing eating habits among Pakistani young adults have led to higher sugary drink consumption, underscoring the need for a suitable cultural assessment tool. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 381 university students aged 18–26 years from three major cities of Pakistan. Following World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, the original Beverage Intake Questionnaire (BEVQ-15) was modified by removing four items (including alcoholic beverages), adding two culturally relevant types (flavored milk and refreshing drinks), and converting measurement units to milliliters, resulting in a 13-item Beverage Intake Questionnaire-Pakistan (BEVQ-PK). Validity was assessed by comparing BEVQ-PK1 (test) with three 24 h dietary recalls. Test–retest reliability was evaluated after a 14-day interval by comparing BEVQ-PK1 (test) and BEVQ-PK2 (retest). Analyses included descriptive statistics, paired sample t-tests, Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC), Bland–Altman plots, and Spearman’s correlations. The BEVQ-PK (13-item) demonstrated moderate to strong validity (r = 0.2–0.8, p < 0.001) and strong reliability (r = 0.5–0.9, p < 0.001). Most beverage categories showed no significant intake differences between test and retest. Tea/coffee with milk was the most frequently consumed beverage, followed by soft drinks and green/black tea. Overall, BEVQ-PK is a valid and reliable tool for assessing SSB intake among Pakistani university students and can support future nutrition and public health research. Full article

Background: Childhood obesity and being overweight represent a global public health challenge; the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and ultra-processed foods (UPFs) contributes to this problem. In Mexico, public health policies have been implemented to improve school food environments. Objective: To assess the school food environment before the implementation of the guidelines for the preparation, distribution, and sale of food and beverages (SFGs) in three primary schools in Mexico City. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed method study was conducted, including structured non-participatory observation of selling points outside and inside of schools, and availability of drinking fountains and lunchboxes contents. A food waste audit assessment was performed to identify the most frequently consumed products, main ingredients, front-of-package labels, and colorants. Additionally, 23 semi-structured interviews were conducted with school authorities, teachers, and food vendors. Results: SSBs and UPFs selling points were observed outside and inside in public schools, while in private schools, only inside, with use of delivery food apps. Public schools lacked functional drinking fountains. A total of 345 food waste items were collected across the schools, of which 46.3% were SSBs and 53.7% were UPFs. The main ingredient was sugar (15.6%), the principal front-of-package was excess sugar (37.5%), and the most frequently used colorants were red 40 (25.1%). Interview participants reported awareness of the SFGs; however, they identified barriers such as resistance from parents and students and the economic dependence of school cooperatives on UPFs sales. Conclusions: These findings highlight structural and economic challenges for the effective implementation of public policies promoting healthier school food environments. Full article

Background: Higher intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) increases the risk of childhood obesity, while the effects of non-caloric beverages (NCBs) and dairy beverages remain inconsistent. This study investigated changes in beverage intake following a 10-week lifestyle camp and explored associations between changes in beverage intake and anthropometric measures. Methods: Children from two camp sites and aged 7–14 years (n:190) with overweight/obesity were included and pooled for the present study. Beverage intake was assessed by a Food Frequency Questionnaire at baseline, at 10 weeks, and at a one- and three-year follow-up. Anthropometry was assessed at the same timepoints. Results: Compared to baseline, participants had lower odds of reporting a high intake of SSBs (OR: 0.14, 95%-CI: 0.07; 0.28), NCBs (OR: 0.19, 95%-CI: 0.11; 0.34) and chocolate milk (OR: 0.18, 95%-CI: 0.09; 0.36) at 10 weeks, relative to a low intake, and were more likely to report a high intake of water. One and three years after the camp, the changes attenuated, reaching baseline levels for water, SSBs, and NCBs at the three-year follow-up. Across time, only weak to moderate correlations were observed between changes in beverage intake and BMI-SDS, body fat (%), and skeletal muscle mass (Spearman’s rho = +/− 0.19–0.31). Conclusions: The lifestyle camp intervention effectively improved beverage intake among children with overweight/obesity; however, the changes were not sustained, emphasizing the need for long-term support to maintain the health benefits. Without a control group, it is not possible to determine whether these changes reflect natural variations in beverage intake. Full article

Background: Antipsychotic medication (APM) can cause weight gain, insulin resistance, dyslipidemias, and an increased risk of developing type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease among youth. The study sought to increase water consumption, reduce sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake, and prevent unhealthy weight gain via a healthy lifestyle intervention among youth newly started on a second-generation APM for psychiatric treatment. Methods: This randomized controlled trial enrolled 148 Medicaid-insured youth (ages 8–17) recently starting APM. The treatment group received both a biweekly home-delivery of bottled water and parental phone support from a family navigator. In-home visits conducted at baseline, three months, and six months assessed the participants’ height/weight and dietary intake. All participants received basic healthy lifestyle education emphasizing increased water intake and decreased SSB consumption. Longitudinal linear mixed models were conducted to examine between-group and within-group changes in BMI z-scores, and water/SSB intake. Results: No significant between-group differences in BMI z-score were found at three (p = 0.908) and six months (p = 0.919). However, the within-group increase in BMI z-score in the control group was significant from baseline to three months (p = 0.029). A between-group comparison found the treatment group significantly increased their water intake at three (p = 0.006) and six months (p = 0.002). No between-group differences were identified at three and six months for the reduction in SSB, although the treatment group did demonstrate a decrease from baseline to three months (p = 0.004). Conclusions: Neither group experienced unhealthy increases (>0.5%) in BMI z-score over the six months. Providing a safe/free water supply showed a superior improvement in water consumption in the treatment group, and an initial decrease in SSB. Further studies are needed to identify feasible, effective, and sustainable lifestyle interventions tailored to this at-risk population. Full article

Objective: To identify major sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption patterns among Chinese children and adolescents and examine their associations with childhood overweight/obesity. Methods: Data were drawn from the Chinese Food Consumption Survey (2017–2020), including 7979 children and adolescents. SSB intake was assessed using a non-consecutive 3-day 24 h dietary recall and classified into nine types. Principal component analysis identified SSB consumption patterns. Nutritional status was defined using BMI Z-scores, following the World Health Organization growth standards. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the associations between SSB patterns and overweight/obesity, with subgroup analyses by sex, age, and residence area. Results: Three major SSB patterns were identified: (1) Carbonated Beverage and Milk Tea Pattern (dominated by carbonated beverages and milk tea); (2) Functional Beverages Pattern (dominated by coffee beverages and sports beverages); and (3) Plant Hybrid Pattern (dominated by plant protein beverages and plant-based beverages). Preschool-aged children exhibited lower scores across all three patterns. Higher pattern scores were observed among school-aged children and adolescents and those with lower parental education levels, parents working as unskilled labor or homemakers, lower family annual income per capita, and residence in rural areas. All three identified SSB consumption patterns demonstrated significant positive associations with overweight/obesity in children, where higher consumption levels corresponded to greater odds of overweight/obesity. Children exhibiting higher scores in two or more patterns had higher odds of being overweight/obese (Medium-high: OR = 1.249, 95% CI = 1.053, 1.482; High: OR = 1.256, 95% CI = 1.081, 1.459). Subgroup analysis further indicated that the association between the Plant Hybrid Pattern score and overweight/obesity varied significantly by sex. Conclusions: Three SSB consumption patterns were associated with a higher likelihood of overweight/obesity among Chinese children, particularly among those with preferences for multiple SSB types. Interventions should be tailored to SSB consumption habits and socioeconomic contexts, with special attention to rural populations. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Their prevalence is expected to rise with demographic shifts and increasing obesity rates. Excessive sugar consumption, especially from added sugars and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), is a major modifiable risk factor of CVDs. It contributes to obesity, metabolic disorders, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. High-sugar diets affect metabolic and cardiovascular health. They also contribute to neurobehavioral dysfunction by influencing the brain’s reward pathways, promoting hedonic eating, and reinforcing dependence on sweet taste. Fruits, a natural source of sweet-tasting compounds, are widely considered healthier than processed sweets. Epidemiological evidence shows a protective link between fruit consumption and lower risk of acute cardiovascular events like stroke and coronary heart disease. This benefit is largely due to bioactive compounds in fruits, such as fiber, polyphenols, and micronutrients. Based on current evidence, fruits can satisfy sweet cravings. In this paper, we will discuss the potential of fruits as an alternative to added sugars, emphasizing their beneficial effects on metabolic and cardiovascular health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption has increased globally among children and adolescents, posing significant health risks. Parental dietary knowledge and income play important roles in shaping children’s food-choice and consumption behaviors. This study aimed to examine the effects of parental dietary knowledge and income on students’ SSB consumption at both extensive and intensive margins. Methods: A two-way fixed-effects model was estimated using longitudinal data from 3962 primary and junior high school students in the Jining District of Ulanqab City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, northern China, collected in 2019 and 2020. Results: SSB consumption among Chinese students increased from 2019 to 2020 in both extensive (82.51% to 86.90%) and intensive margins (686.09 mL/week to 891.21 mL/week). Each one-point increase in parental dietary knowledge score was linked to a 13.39 mL (p < 0.05) reduction in weekly SSB consumption, and 9.90 mL (p < 0.05) reduction in juice beverages, correspondingly reductions in weekly added sugar intake from SSBs (1.26 g, p < 0.10) and juice beverages (0.79 g, p < 0.05), with stronger association among rural hukou students. Parental income showed minimal association with students’ SSB consumption, but had a stronger association among rural hukou and junior high school students. Conclusions: Parental dietary knowledge plays a crucial role in reducing students’ SSB consumption, with particularly strong association in rural hukou students. Targeted interventions enhancing parental dietary knowledge could reduce SSB consumption and added sugar intake among school-aged children. Full article

Childhood obesity represents a growing global public health crisis, strongly driven by the widespread consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and, increasingly, artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs). SSB intake drives excessive calorie consumption, reduces satiety, and disrupts hormones, leading to metabolic dysfunction such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Despite some regional declines, global consumption of SSBs remains high, with persistent socioeconomic disparities. Concurrently, ASBs, marketed as healthier alternatives, pose emerging metabolic and behavioral risks, such as gut microbiota disruption and altered appetite regulation, raising concerns about their long-term safety. Both beverage types displace nutritionally balanced food options in children’s diets and foster enduring preferences for sweetness, exacerbating poor dietary quality. Public health interventions targeting SSB reduction have demonstrated modest success; however, rising ASB use complicates prevention strategies. Effective mitigation of childhood obesity requires comprehensive approaches that emphasize reducing all sweetened beverage consumption, promoting water and whole-food hydration, and addressing the behavioral and environmental factors underlying unhealthy beverage choices to improve lifelong health outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity is increasing worldwide, driven by unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles. Genetic variations in taste receptor genes, particularly TAS1R2 and TAS2R38, may influence taste preferences, dietary intake, and obesity risk. This study examined associations between TAS1R2 and TAS2R38 polymorphisms, sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake, and obesity risk in Kuwaiti adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 adolescents aged 11–14 years recruited from public schools in Kuwait. Genotyping of five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was performed using TaqMan assays. Associations between SNPs, SSB intake, and obesity parameters were evaluated using multinomial logistic regression and non-parametric tests, adjusted for age, sex, nationality, BMI z-scores, basal metabolic rate, and physical activity. p-values were corrected using the Benjamini–Hochberg method. Results: The rs713598 SNP in TAS2R38 showed a marginal association with BMI percentiles and z-scores. Adolescents carrying the CC genotype of rs10246939 SNP in TAS2R38 had significantly lower odds of high SSB consumption (>3 servings/week) compared with T-allele carriers (p = 0.018, OR= 0.24, 95% CI = 0.08–0.79). No significant associations were detected for TAS1R2 SNPs. Conclusions: Variations in TAS2R38 were linked to obesity measures and beverage intake in Kuwaiti adolescents, supporting a potential genetic contribution to dietary behaviors. These findings highlight the importance of taste receptor genetics in obesity research, though replication in larger and more diverse populations is required. Full article

Background: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend limiting 100% juice consumption to 0.5–1.25 cups/day and to no more than one half of total fruit intake. Objective: To explore the dietary benefits of consuming 100% fruit juice and diluted 100% juice across diverse socio-demographic strata in the US. Methods: Consumption patterns for 100% juice and diluted 100% juice were examined by sex, age group, income-to-poverty ratio (IPR), and race/ethnicity. Dietary intakes came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2017–2020 and 2021–2023). The Healthy Eating Index 2020 (HEI 2020) and diet-level Nutrient Rich Food (NRF9.3) scores were the two measures of diet quality. The amounts of 100% juice consumed were compared to published DGA recommendations. Results: The consumption of 100% juice was greatly below that of water, milk, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). The consumption of diluted 100% juice was very low. Consumers of 100% juice had higher HEI 2020 scores (53 vs. 48) and diets with less added sugar and more total fruit, more potassium, calcium, and vitamin C. About 88% of the NHANES sample consumed <4 oz/day (1/2 cup) of 100% juice and most derived at least 50% of fruit from whole fruit, though some variation by income and race/ethnicity was observed. About 93% of the sample consumed <1 cup/day (8 oz) of 100% juice. Lower income groups consumed less whole fruit and more 100% juice. Conclusion: The consumption of 100% fruit juice was a marker of healthier dietary choices. The observed social gradient suggests that 100% fruit juice may provide valuable nutrients to populations who may be unable to afford or access whole fruit. Public health recommendations: The consumption of 100% fruit juice by some population subgroups could be increased. Fruit juice was not displacing whole fruit, and current consumption was well below the current DGA recommended values. Full article

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are among the most traded and a significant component of global food and beverages. The consumption of these beverages is widely believed to be a major contributing factor to overweight, diabetes, tooth decay, and other noncommunicable diseases. To reduce the intake of these beverages, the World Health Organisation (WHO) encouraged countries and jurisdictions to introduce a sugar tax policy as an approach to reduce the sales and intake of the beverages. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the sustainability of the relationship that exists among the factors that influence the intake of SSBs in enhancing sugar tax in South Africa. A mixed research methods were used to explore the relationships among the variables. The Exploratory Sequential Design (ESD) was deemed appropriate to deal with the introduction of a sugar tax to reduce the intake of the SSB, most especially in Africa where the tax is a new concept. The Exploratory Sequential Design began with the collection of the structured interview qualitative data and analysis using the thematic analysis procedure, then followed by quantitative data collection and analysis using the confirmatory factor analysis method. This study used mainly primary data collected from the Gauteng Province of South Africa for both the qualitative and quantitative phases of the study. The study found that a sustainable effective sugar tax can be achieved when the public is aware of the existence, purpose, and acceptance of the sugar tax. Furthermore, the tax can become relevant and sustainable when it leads to a significant reduction in intake, contributing to negative consumer behaviour and attitude towards the intake of SSBs in South Africa. A synthesis of the integrated results confirmed that the recognition of the relationship among the factors influencing the intake of SSB and penalising the beverage manufacturers who do not reduce the sugar content in all their beverages as recommended by the WHO are vital in leading to a sustainable enhancement of an effective sugar tax in South Africa. Full article

Background/Objectives: The rising prevalence of mental health disorders among adolescents underscores the need for early intervention. Of concern is the increasing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and high-caffeine drinks, which may adversely affect adolescent mental health. This study examined their association with stress perception, depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and loneliness among Korean adolescents. Methods: Data were derived from the 2022 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a nationally representative dataset comprising 51,850 Korean adolescents aged 12–18 years. Beverage consumption frequency was categorized into three groups: none, 1–4 times per week, and ≥5–6 times per week. Logistic regression models were employed to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mental health conditions, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Compared with non-consumers, adolescents who consumed SSBs ≥5–6 times per week exhibited significantly higher odds of stress perception (AOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.24–1.46), depressive symptoms (AOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.19–1.46), suicidal ideation (AOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.09–1.39), and loneliness (AOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.28–1.61). Similarly, frequent consumption of high-caffeine drinks (≥5–6 times per week) was associated with increased odds of stress perception (AOR 2.13, 95% CI 1.99–2.29), depressive symptoms (AOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.62–1.88), suicidal ideation (AOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.86–2.24), and loneliness (AOR 1.72, 95% CI 1.59–1.87). Conclusions: Frequent consumption of SSBs and high-caffeine drinks is significantly associated with adverse mental health outcomes among Korean adolescents. Given the increasing intake of these beverages, targeted public health interventions are warranted to mitigate their potential negative impact on adolescent mental well-being. Full article

Background/Objectives: Excessive sugar intake through sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has raised global concerns due to its association with various health risks. This study evaluates the effectiveness of nudges—in the form of order placement, variety expansion, and a combination of both—in promoting non-SSB purchases at self-service kiosks, a key environment for SSB consumption. Methods: This study was conducted using a real-world kiosk at food and beverage outlets in South Korea from 28 May to 12 July, 2024. A total of 183 consumers aged 19 to 29 participated in this study. A single kiosk device was used with four screen layouts, each reflecting a different nudge strategy. Participants were unaware of these manipulations when making their purchases. After their purchases, participants completed a survey. All data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 29.0. Results: Females reported significantly higher positive attitudes, preferences, and perceived necessity regarding nudges compared to males. In particular, both the single (variety) and combination (order and variety) nudges received positive responses from females (p < 0.001). The combination nudge significantly increased non-SSB purchases compared to the control (p < 0.05) and single (order) nudge groups (p < 0.01), which suggests that combination nudge is effective in promoting healthier beverage choices. Females were also more likely to purchase non-SSBs than males (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings suggest that the combination nudge strategy effectively promotes healthier beverage choices in real kiosk settings. Notably, females demonstrate significantly higher positive attitudes, preferences, and perceived necessity regarding nudges compared to males, and are also more likely to purchase non-SSBs. These findings offer valuable insights for real-world applications aimed at encouraging healthier consumption behaviors. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intergenerational care plays a significant role in shaping household dietary quality and human capital development in China. Influenced by the legacy of the one-child policy, the care provided in these families often prioritizes child-focused practices. This study examines how intergenerational care influences schoolchildren’s sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption. Methods: This study utilizes data from the 2014–2015 China Education Panel Survey (CEPS) to investigate the impact of intergenerational care on schoolchildren’s dietary behaviors, with a focus on sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption. We apply both ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and the ordered logit model to estimate the impacts, and we use the instrumental variables approach to address potential endogeneity. Results: Schoolchildren from only-child families report greater SSB consumption, while those from multi-child families consume less. Intergenerational care is linked to more digital media exposure, more pocket money, and less parental supervision. These findings withstand rigorous validation through multiple robustness checks, including sample restriction strategies and propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. The effect is especially pronounced among boys, schoolchildren from families with higher parental education levels, and schoolchildren attending schools without formal nutrition education programs. Conclusions: The result indicates that intergenerational care significantly increases SSB consumption among schoolchildren from only-child families. Community nutrition and school health education programs can reduce schoolchildren’s SSB consumption, thereby lowering risks of obesity and other public health concerns. Full article