Increasing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among US adults: 1988-1994 to 1999-2004.
BACKGROUND
Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes.


OBJECTIVE
We examined national trends in SSB consumption among US adults by sociodemographic characteristics, body weight status, and weight-loss intention.


METHODS
We analyzed 24-h dietary recall data to estimate beverage consumption among adults (aged > or = 20 y) obtained from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988-1994; n = 15,979) and NHANES 1999-2004 (n = 13,431).


RESULTS
From 1988-1994 to 1999-2004 on the survey day, the percentage of adult SSB drinkers increased from 58% to 63% (P < 0.001), per capita consumption of SSB increased by 46 kcal/d (P = 0.001), and daily SSB consumption among drinkers increased by 6 oz (P < 0.001). In both survey periods, per capita SSB consumption was highest among young adults (231-289 kcal/d) and lowest among the elderly (68-83 kcal/d). Young blacks had the highest percentage of SSB drinkers and the highest per capita consumption compared with white and Mexican American adults (P < 0.05). Overweight-obese adults with weight-loss intention (compared with those without) were significantly less likely to drink SSB, but they still consumed a considerable amount in 1999-2004 (278 kcal/d). Among young adults, 20% of SSB calories were consumed at work.


CONCLUSIONS
Over the past decade, US adult SSB consumption has increased. SSB comprises a considerable source of total daily intake and is the largest source of beverage calories. SSB consumption is highest among subgroups also at greatest risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Bleich
Sara N
SN
Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. sbleich@jhsph.edu
Wang
Y Claire
YC
Wang
Youfa
Y
Gortmaker
Steven L
SL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001628:Beverages / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002253:Carbonated Beverages / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D019422:Dietary Sucrose / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
D019422:Dietary Sucrose