title: Loneliness, social integration and consumption of sugar-containing beverages: testing the social baseline theory.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Social Baseline Theory (SBT) proposes that close relationships aid in metabolic resource management and that individuals without significant relationships may experience more demands on their own neural metabolic resources on a daily basis when solving problems, remaining vigilant against potential threats and regulating emotional responses. This study tests a hypothesised consequence derived from SBT: relative social isolation leads to increased levels of sugar intake.
  
  
  METHODS
  Based on cross-sectional, self-reported data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (N = 90 084), information on social integration and the consumption of both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened sodas and juices was obtained from a large number of women in early pregnancy. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess whether loneliness, marital status, relationship satisfaction, advice from others than partner, and cohesion at work is associated with consumption of sodas and juices.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Perceived loneliness was associated with elevated intake of all sugary beverages, while relationship satisfaction was negatively associated with all sugary beverages. Being married or cohabitating, having supportive friends, and having a sense of togetherness at work were associated with lower intake of two out of three sugar-containing beverages. These associations were significant, even after controlling for factors such as body mass index, weight related self-image, depression, physical activity, educational level, age and income. In comparison, a statistically significant relationship emerged between relationship satisfaction and artificially sweetened cola. No other predictor variables were significantly associated with any type of artificially sweetened beverage.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study indicates that loneliness and social integration influence the level of consumption of sugary beverages. The results support the hypothesis derived from the Social Baseline Theory that relative social isolation leads to increased levels of sugar intake.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Evidence-Based Practice, Bergen University College, Bergen, Norway.
authors.forename: Roger Ekeberg
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Henriksen
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Psychology, Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
authors.forename: Torbjørn
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Torsheim
authors.affiliation: Centre for Evidence-Based Practice, Bergen University College, Bergen, Norway.
authors.forename: Frode
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Thuen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001628:Beverages / Q000032:analysis; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002253:Carbonated Beverages / Q000032:analysis; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004034:Diet Surveys; D019422:Dietary Sucrose / Q000378:metabolism; D004435:Eating; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019422:Dietary Sucrose
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