Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Consumption Positively Associated with the Risks of Obesity and Hypertriglyceridemia Among Children Aged 7-18 Years in South China

Aims: Excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) may increase the prevalence of obesity and other metabolic risk factors. However, data regarding the relationship between SSB consumption and metabolic risk factors are insufficient in Chinese children. Hence, we aimed to explore the association between SSB consumption and cardio-metabolic risk factors in children aged 7-18 years living in South China.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a total of 2,032 children aged 7-18 years were enrolled, including 1,013 boys and 1,019 girls. Based on a multistage cluster sampling, five elementary and four secondary schools in Guangzhou, China were included. Fasting blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, and anthropometric characteristics were evaluated. Information on demography, dietary, and physical activities were self-reported.

Results: Overall, 34.7% participants were non-drinkers and 21.6% consumed more than 120 mL/day SSB. The body mass index (19.43±0.18 kg/m) and triglyceride concentration (0.96±0.03 mmol/L) were higher and high-density lipoprotein concentration (1.32±0.31 mmol/L) was lower in consumers than in non-consumers (all P＜0.001). Furthermore, in contrast to non-consumers, the adjusted odds ratio of SSB consumption more than 120 mL/day was 2.08 (95% CI: 1.21-3.54) for obesity, 1.83 (95% CI: 1.25-2.69) for abdominal obesity, and 1.70 (95% CI: 1.02-3.06) for hypertriglyceridemia in consumers.

Conclusion: A positive association between SSB consumption and the risks of obesity and hypertriglyceridemia was observed in children living in South China, which suggests that high SSB consumption enhances the risk of cardio-metabolic risk factors and the consequent cardio-metabolic diseases.