Sugary beverage intakes and obesity prevalence among junior high school students in Beijing - a cross-sectional research on SSBS intake

Background: Excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) may increase the risk of obesity. Data in regards to the consumption of SSBs is insufficient in the Chinese population, especially in middle school students experiencing rapid nutritional transition. We aimed to describe the consumption of SSBs among junior high school students and explore the relationship between SSB intake and adolescents' overweight/obesity in Beijing. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study under which 322 (46%) male and 380 (54%) female (age 11-15 y, median 13 y) were recruited from two middle schools of Xicheng District in Beijing. All subjects completed a questionnaire and 24-hour dietary recall for 3 consecutive days. Results: Prevalence of overweight was 21.1% in males and 11.6% in females. Prevalence of obesity was 22.7% in males and 10.3% in females. Of the students, 7.7% consumed SSBs at least once per day. Students whose storage of SSBs at home is more than 1 type are more likely to consume higher quantities of SSBs everyday (p<0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, OR of high SSBs intake group versus low SSBs intake group was 2.6. Students whose parents had a higher BMI had a higher risk of overweight/obesity (OR=1.13, p=0.007). Conclusions: Among middle school students in Beijing, prevalence of obesity is more severe than that of overweight. Sugar-sweetened beverages have been the most popular drinks, and consumption of SSBs has a positive association with levels of overweight/obesity among male students.