Bucher Della Torre, S; Keller, A; Depeyre, J L; Kruseman, M (2016) Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 116, Issue 4, 638 - 659
OBJECTIVE: To systematically analyse the methodology of studies investigating the influence of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption on risk of obesity and obesity among children and adolescents.
DESIGN: Systematic review of cohort (follow up of at least 12 months) and intervention studies (follow up of at least 4 weeks) published up to Dec 2013 in English or French. Quality was determined using a published ten-point checklist.
SETTING: N/A
PARTICIPANTS: Children and adolescents.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Weight gain, body fat mass, overweight or obesity.
RESULTS: 29 cohort studies and 3 randomised controlled trials were identified. Fewer than one third had a positive quality rating. Studies with positive quality ratings found an association between SSB consumption and risk of obesity or obesity (n=5), or mixed results (n=4), whereas studies with a neutral quality rating found a positive association (n=7), mixed results (n=9), or no association (n=7). Most methodological issues were around the assessment and measurement of dietary intake.
CONCLUSIONS: The majority of studies with strong methodology indicated a positive association between SSB consumption and risk of obesity or obesity, especially among overweight children. The authors highlight the need for careful and precise measurement of SSB consumption and important confounders.
Note to Readers: Any opinions expressed in the recent research abstracts are those of the authors of the original scientific papers and may not reflect the views of Sugar Nutrition UK