Effectiveness of a Community-Based Health Promotion “Rethink Your Drink” on Reducing Sugary Beverage Consumption: A Case Study

Introduction: Obesity rates are rising throughout the United States. As a way to address obesity in a rural city in southwest Kentucky, researchers conducted a “Rethink Your Drink” challenge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a community health program in reducing the consumption of sugary beverages. Methods: Researchers conducted a “Rethink Your Drink” Challenge in a rural city in southwest Kentucky. Educational materials illustrated how beverages fell into red, yellow, or green light categories based on sugar content. Materials were provided to corporate sponsors throughout a rural city in southwest Kentucky. Community members (n=296) volunteered to track their beverage consumption over a 4-week period. Researchers collected data sheets at the end of the 4- weeks and analyzed change in beverage habits. Results: Researchers calculated weekly sugar intake as: [(red drinks * 3) + (yellow drinks * 2.25) + (green drinks * 0)]. Sugary beverage consumption decreased over the four weeks (t = 9.2, p \u3c 0.001). Conclusions: A community health program addressing sugary beverage consumption is an effective method to bring awareness to the hidden sugars and calories, which lead to obesity and obesity related diseases