Sugar-sweetened beverage intake and its associations with cardiometabolic risks among adolescents

Pediatr Obes. 2017 Feb;12(1):e1-e5. doi: 10.1111/ijpo.12108. Epub 2016 Feb 4.

Abstract

Background: Investigations on sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake and cardiometabolic risks among Asians are scant.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine associations between SSB intake and cardiometabolic risks among Malaysian adolescents.

Methods: Anthropometric data, blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid profiles and insulin levels measured involved 873 adolescents (aged 13 years). SSB intake, dietary patterns and physical activity level (PAL) were self-reported.

Results: Mean SSB consumption was 177.5 mL day-1 with significant differences among ethnicities (Malay, Chinese, Indians and Others) (p < 0.05). SSB intake was deleteriously associated with increased waist circumference, elevated triglycerides, FBG, insulin, insulin resistance and low HDL-cholesterol, independent of PAL, body mass index and dietary patterns. Significant U-shaped and inverse trends were noted between SSB intake and LDL-cholesterol and BP, respectively.

Conclusion: Sugar-sweetened beverage intake was unfavourably associated with cardiometabolic health outcomes among young adolescents. Concerted efforts towards healthy hydration are imperative to mitigate risk of cardiometabolic events.

Keywords: Adolescents; metabolic syndrome; obesity; sugar-sweetened beverages.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anthropometry
  • Beverages / adverse effects*
  • Blood Glucose / analysis
  • Blood Pressure
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dietary Sucrose / adverse effects*
  • Exercise
  • Feeding Behavior*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insulin / blood
  • Lipids / blood
  • Malaysia
  • Male
  • Metabolic Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Metabolic Syndrome / etiology*
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Dietary Sucrose
  • Insulin
  • Lipids