Association of Beverage Consumption with Obesity in Healthy Adults

Background: The increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been found to be an important contributor of calories in the diet. Whether there is an association between the increased consumption of SSBs and the high rates of overweight and obesity is still questionable. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship of weight status and beverages consumed of adults in a residential compound in Abu Dhabi. Methods: Forty nine out of 65 residents form Al Reef Villas in Abu Dhabi agreed to participate in the study. Initial assessments including beverages frequency questionnaire and anthropometry measurements were completed for all participants. Participants who were identified as high beverages consumers were invited to a one-month intervention aiming to limit their beverages consumption. A final assessment was completed for all high consumers of beverages at the end of the one-month intervention. Results: 55% of the subjects were overweight or obese, and 51% had abdominal obesity. 73% consumed 100% fruit juices with no added sugar, 65% consumed soft drinks, and 60 % consumed plain milk and milk products. The majority (69%) consumed tea beverages rather than coffee beverages. There was no association between weight & beverages consumption. The mean energy percentage from beverages was 14.2 (± 11.1) among all participants. 53% were considered high consumers of beverages and 47% (n=23) were considered low consumers of beverages. The one-month intervention showed a significant decrease in % of calories from beverages and weight in the overweight & obese intervention group (p<0.001 and p<0.05) respectively. Conclusion: This study highlighted major health problems in Abu Dhabi including high rates of overweight, obesity, and abdominal obesity. The one-month intervention was effective in reducing the energy percentage from beverages and weight of the overweight and obese participants, but no association was found in this sample between beverages consumption and overweight and obesity