Physical Activity and Beverage Consumption among Adolescents

Utility of a high-intensity interval training app as a remote exercise support strategy in children with obesity: An exploratory study of adherence, effect, and perceptions of its use

Objective

This study aimed to explore the utility of a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) app as a remote exercise support strategy in children with obesity through assessing adherence, possible effects on obesity-related outcomes, and perceptions of its use to support counseling and improve the treatment of children with obesity.

Methods

Thirty-seven children (94.6% with obesity; 45.9% girls), with a mean age of 10.4 (±1.8) years and a mean body mass index (BMI) z-score of 3.31 (±1.09) were recruited to use the app during 6 weeks. Assessments were performed at baseline, 6 (end of intervention), and 12 weeks (follow up).

Results

Thirty-two (86.3%) participants completed both intervention and follow-up assessments and were analyzed. On average, children used the HIIT app 2.5 times per week (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9 to 3.0), with the highest perceived exertion of 4.1 (95% CI: 3.6 to 4.5). No over-time differences were found in body composition, physical activity, screen time, sleep duration, or water intake after the intervention; however, an over-time decrease in sugary beverages intake (Δ-0.9, 95% CI: -1.6 to -0.1, p = .019). No differences in body composition were found at follow up. Although none of the children or parents perceived impairments in nutritional behavior, general wellbeing, or fitness as a consequence of intervention, most children (64.5%), but not parents, perceived improvements in nutritional behavior and general wellbeing.

Conclusion

Although feasible, the 6-week effect of HIIT app use is modest or absent regarding body composition, movement, and nutritional behavior change, probably due to its low volume. More studies are needed to explore the utility of HIIT apps as a remote exercise support strategy for children with obesity further.

Soft and energy drinks consumption and associated factors in Saudi adults: a national cross-sectional study

Introduction

The consumption of soft and energy drinks poses a significant risk for non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. Studies in Saudi Arabia have reported elevated consumption of soft/energy drinks, but nation-wide data is not available. Therefore, this study aims to explore the prevalence of soft and energy drinks consumption and its associated factors among a representative sample of Saudi adults.

Methods

The present research is a secondary data analysis of the 2021 Sharik Diet and Health National Survey (SDHNS). Current analysis used data on socio-demographics, anthropometrics, physical activity, and soft and energy drink consumption. The frequency of soft and energy drinks consumption is assessed on a weekly basis.

Results

Of the 5,194 Saudi adults, 3,928 were analyzed. Overall, 67% consumed soft drinks weekly, while 30% consumed energy drinks weekly. In multiple logistic regression, consumption of either soft drinks or energy drinks was associated with males, a younger age, lower income, and lower physical activity. Individuals with overweight or obesity were less likely to consume energy drinks [OR (95%CI): 0.83 (0.71, 0.99) and 0.73 (0.60, 0.90), respectively] than those with healthy weight. However, education level was not associated with either soft or energy drink consumption. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions designed to reduce soft and energy drinks consumption in Saudi adults.

Parents' Diet Quality and Physical Activity Are Associated with Lifestyle in Spanish Children and Adolescents: The PASOS Study

BACKGROUND

Non-communicable chronic diseases are associated with a low-quality diet, low physical activity, and sedentary behavior.

OBJECTIVE

To assess how parents' diet and physical activity habits were associated with their offsprings' lifestyles.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional analysis of 8-16-year-old children and adolescents (n = 2539; 51.9% girls) was carried out within the frame of the first edition of the Physical Activity, Sedentarism, Lifestyles, and Obesity in Spanish Youth study (PASOS-2019). Data on adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet), daily moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and screen time per day (television, computer, video games, and mobile phone) were collected from children and adolescents, and data on parents' diet quality and physical activity were compiled. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between parents' lifestyles and those of children and adolescents.

RESULTS

High diet quality of parents was associated with higher adherence to the MedDiet of children and adolescents, as well as high consumption of fruit, vegetables, fish, nuts, and legumes. The high physical activity level of parents was associated with the low consumption of fast foods, sweets, and candies in children and adolescents. Children with high levels of physical activity were those whose parents showed better diet quality and physical activity levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents' high diet quality and physical activity were associated with healthy lifestyles, higher adherence to the MedDiet, and physical activity of their offspring, mainly in adolescents.

Predictors of sugar-sweetened carbonated beverage consumption and its effect on adiposity parameters of female Saudi students

The prevalence of obesity has recently increased, accompanied by a steep increase in the consumption of sugar-sweetened carbonated beverages (SSCBs). This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the impact of SSCB consumption on adiposity parameters and to identify factors associated with increased SSCB intake among young adult females in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. A validated closed questionnaire including 2 sections, general socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics and anthropometric measurements, was used for data collection of female students (n = 1616) from Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and body composition were measured using an Omron HBF-510 body composition analyzer. Overall, 30.2% of the study participants consumed soda regularly. However, the percentages of occasional and never/rare soda intake were 40.1% and 29.7%, respectively. The results showed that BMI, WC, HC, body fat, and visceral fat increased with increasing SSCB intake. Physical inactivity, low income, smoking, low daily water intake, and obesity were associated with increased consumption of SSCB. In conclusion, a high rate of SSCB consumption increased obesity and body fat content in young adult females in Makkah City. Physical inactivity, low income, smoking, low daily water intake, and obesity were identified as predictors of increased SSCB consumption. Specific health education programs and effective public awareness campaigns could be held to address unhealthy SSCB drinking patterns to help improve young women's health.

Trajectories of beverage consumption during adolescence

Beverages contribute substantially to daily energy and nutrient intakes. However, little is known about the co-development of beverage consumption throughout adolescence. This study aimed to investigate the presence of naturally occurring sub-groups of girls and boys following distinct trajectories of various types of beverage consumption (i.e. sugary beverages, tea and coffee, water, and milk) throughout adolescence. During the Monitoring Activities for Teenagers to Comprehend their Habits study, data were collected from 744 Canadian youths followed for six years (2013-2019). The participants were asked yearly (start-age 10-11 years old) to report how many times they consumed sugary beverages, tea and coffee, water, and milk in a week. Trajectories of beverage consumption were identified from age 11 to 18 using a person-centred approach, namely group-based multi-trajectory modelling. For girls, three different groups were identified: 'Water consumers' (62.7%), 'High beverage consumers' (20.9%), and 'Water and milk consumers' (16.4%). For boys, four different groups were identified: 'Water consumers' (39.1%), 'Water and milk consumers' (30.5%), 'Sugary drinks, coffee and tea consumers' (20.1%), and 'High beverage consumers' (10.4%). This study illustrates the complexity of beverage consumption patterns in adolescence. Various types of public health messaging and interventions may be required to promote healthier beverage consumption patterns among all adolescents.

Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and overweight and obesity in adolescents in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: a population-based analysis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this research was to describe the patterns of consumption of multiple sugar-sweetened beverages (including modern and traditional ones) among adolescents in Ho Chi Minh City and to identify a possible relationship between this consumption and overweight, obesity, and other factors.

METHODS

A secondary analysis from a cross-sectional study of 11-15-year-old students from 31 junior high schools across Ho Chi Minh City was used. We measured the students' anthropometric status and assessed beverage consumption using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the association between the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, obesity and other factors.

RESULTS

The sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) ranged widely from modern soft drinks and powdered drinks to traditional sugar-added fruit and leaf juices, and milk-based drinks. These beverages were very popular among 2,660 participants with 36% consuming at least one variety daily. Factors positively associated with sugar-sweetened beverage consumption included a higher level of physical activity, higher consumption of fast foods, and daily fruit and vegetable consumption. We found a negative association between milk-based SSBs and the overweight and obesity status of the students, i.e. every kcal more of fresh milk with sugar and condensed milk can reduce an obesity odd of 0.005 (95% CI [0.002-0.008], p < 0.001) and 0.004 (95% CI [0.002-0.010], p = 0.044) consecutively. None of the other SSBs was significantly related to adolescent overweight and obesity.

CONCLUSIONS

Milk-based drinks potentially protect adolescents against overweight and obesity. Further research to assess this protection is needed.

Sociodemographic, lifestyle, behavioral, and parental factors associated with sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in children in China

Objective

Evidence shows sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is a risk factor for obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in children. Investigating the influential profiles, which have been examined insufficiently, will help to inform the reduction of SSB consumption. The present research examines the current trend in SSB consumption and associated factors among children in China, in order to inform policy development.

Methods

Secondary data was extracted from China’s Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS; 2004, 2006, 2009, and 2011), a repeated cross-sectional research, and a Chi-squared test was applied to compare SSB consumption in the last year, queried by social demographical, `environmental, behavioral, and parental factors. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression was employed to examine the trend and effects of the multiple factors.

Results

A total of 6015 Chinese children aged 6–17 years were investigated. From 2004 to 2011, the percentage of SSB consumption in children increased from 72.6% to 90.3%. The prevalence in urban areas was higher than the prevalence in rural areas, higher in high schools than primary and middle schools, higher in east coast affluent provinces than other provinces, and higher in high-income households than low-income households. Other associated factors include children’s fast food and salty snacks preference, level of physical activity, sedentariness, and parental education. The strongest association with SSB consumption in children was the mother’s SSB consumption (adjusted odds ratio: 5.54, 95% CI: 3.17–9.67).

Conclusion

Children’s SSB consumption has increased significantly in China, and is associated with socio-economic, demographic, level of physical activity, food preference, and parental factors. Future strategies aimed at reducing SSB consumption among children need to consider these factors.

Dietary intakes, sources, and determinants of free sugars amongst Lebanese children and adolescents: findings from two national surveys

PURPOSE

To determine the intake levels, dietary sources, and determinants of free sugars (FS) consumption amongst Lebanese children and adolescents.

METHODS

This study is based on data collected by two national cross-sectional surveys conducted on representative samples of Lebanese children: survey 1 (under-five years (U5) children) (n = 899) and survey 2 (5-18 years-old children) (n = 1133). Multi-component questionnaires were used for data collection. Dietary intakes were assessed using one 24 h dietary recall. Median daily intakes of FS, and percent contribution of various food groups to FS intake were compared between sex and age groups. Logistic regressions were conducted to explore the determinants of high FS intake (> 10% energy intake/d), as per the WHO recommendations.

RESULTS

Median contribution of FS to daily energy intake was 8.5% in U5 children and 11.9% amongst those aged 5-18 years old. The top contributors to FS in both surveys were sugar-sweetened beverages and biscuits and chocolates. The proportion of children and adolescents exceeding WHO upper limits for FS was estimated at 43 and 62% in survey 1 and survey 2, respectively. Regression models showed females, higher household monthly incomes and higher parental educational levels were associated with significantly lower odds of exceeding the WHO upper limit for FS.

CONCLUSION

The study showed that a high proportion of Lebanese children and adolescents exceeded the WHO upper limit for FS intake, while also documenting a socioeconomic gradient in FS intake. Findings call for devising food system-based interventions to help reduce FS intake in this nutritionally vulnerable age group.

Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption Status and Its Association with Childhood Obesity among Chinese Children Aged 6-17 Years

Objective: There is a remarkable growth in sugar-sweetened (SSB) production and obesity prevalence among school-aged children in China. This paper describes SSB consumption and its association with obesity among Chinese children aged 6–17 years in 2012. Methods: in total, 25,553 children aged 6~17 years enrolled in the China Nutrition and Health Surveillance 2010–2013 were included in this study. Data of SSB consumption frequency and quantity were obtained from a food frequency questionnaire, and the children’s nutritional status was assessed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between SSB consumption and obesity status. Results: SSB intake was estimated as 181.0 g/day, occurring 2.2 times/week. Older children, males, children from urban areas, and children with higher socioeconomic status were more likely to consume SSBs. Children who consumed SSBs 1~<5 times/week (11.7%) and >5 times/week (12.9%) were more likely to be overweight/obesity than those who consumed SSBs less than once/week. Conclusion: SSB consumption was common among Chinese school-aged children, especially among males, older children, and children from urban areas. High consumption of SSBs was associated with a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity. Actions and plans are required to reduce SSB consumption and control childhood obesity in China.

Health behavior patterns of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among Brazilian adolescents in a nationally representative school-based study

Studies on sugar-sweetened beverage consumption patterns can help in the individual and population level management of chronic non-communicable diseases and other conditions. This study aimed to identify the association between health behavior patterns and the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among Brazilian adolescents from a nationally representative school-based study. A cross-sectional study analyzed data from 71,553 adolescents aged 12-17 years who attended public and private schools in Brazilian cities, from the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents. Principal component analysis was performed to identify health behavior patterns, and ordered logistic regression was performed to identify the association between health behavior patterns and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption (mL/day) was used as the dependent variable. The analyses were performed using Stata software version 14.0 with a significance level of 0.05. Patterns 2 (alcoholic beverage and smoking habit) and 3 (ultra-processed food and screen time) of health behaviors and regularly purchasing snacks in the school cafeteria increased the odds of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, while pattern 1 (water, unprocessed and minimally processed food and physical activity) decreased these odds. The adoption of healthy habits can indirectly stimulate the adoption of other habits beneficial to health. These results indicate the importance of adopting a set of regulatory measures to reduce sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.

Unhealthy Lifestyle Associated with Higher Intake of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages among Malaysian School-Aged Adolescents

High consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) among adolescents has turned into a global concern due to its negative impact on health. This cross-sectional study determined the amount of SSB consumption among adolescents and its associated factors. A total of 421 adolescents aged 13.3 ± 1.3 years (41.8% males, 58.2% females) completed a self-administered questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity, screen-viewing behavior, sleep quality, frequency of eating at fast food restaurants, home food availability, peer social pressure, parenting practice, and SSB consumption. Weight and height were measured. Results showed that the mean daily consumption of SSBs among adolescents was 1038.15 ± 725.55 mL. The most commonly consumed SSB was malted drink, while the least commonly consumed SSB was instant coffee. The multiple linear regression results revealed that younger age (β = -0.204, p < 0.001), higher physical activity (β = 0.125, p = 0.022), higher screen time (β = 0.147, p = 0.007), poorer sleep quality (β = 0.228, p < 0.001), and unhealthy home food availability (β = 0.118, p = 0.032) were associated with a higher SSB intake. Therefore, promoting a healthy lifestyle may help to reduce the excessive consumption of SSBs among adolescents.

Beverages Consumption is not Related to Weight Status Among Adolescents Living in the Capital of Jordan

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted at government and private schools in Amman city, the capital of Jordan. Seven hundred and ninety five adolescent students (400 boys and 395 girls) aged 15-18 years were recruited using a multistage stratified sampling method. Students were asked to complete a validated questionnaire to assess their beverage consumption during school year 2013- 2014. Students&#039; body weight was categorized as non-obese and obese according to the International Obesity Task Force standard.

Results:

The average beverage consumption was found to be significantly higher in Jordanian adolescent boys than in girls. However, both boys and girls had similar beverage consumption frequencies except for whole milk and sweetened coffee with or without milk or non-dairy coffee creamer. The boys consumed 1-2 cups of whole milk and sweetened coffee with or without milk or non-dairy coffee creamer/day (58.5% and 55.5% respectively), while the girls consumed less than one cup/ day of whole milk and sweetened coffee with or without milk or non-dairy coffee creamer/day (57.7% and 49.9% respectively). No significant associations were established between the investigated beverage consumptions and the weight status for Jordanian adolescents.

Conclusion:

Although beverage consumption was significantly higher in Jordanian adolescent boys than girls, it was not associated with the obesity among Jordanian adolescents.

Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption and Associated Factors in School-Going Adolescents of New Caledonia

This cross-sectional study assessed sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and its associations with the sociodemographic and physical characteristics, behavior and knowledge of New Caledonian adolescents. The survey data of 447 adolescents from ages 11 to 16 years were collected in five secondary public schools of New Caledonia between July 2015 and April 2016. These data included measured height and weight, SSB consumption, sociodemographic characteristics, body weight perception, physical activity, and knowledge (sugar quantity/SSB unit; energy expenditure required to eliminate a unit) and opinions about the SSB‒weight gain relationship. Ninety percent of these adolescents declared regularly drinking SSBs. Quantities were associated with living environment (1.94 L·week-1 in urban environment vs. 4.49 L·week-1 in rural environment, p = 0.001), ethnic community (4.77 L·week-1 in Melanesians vs. 2.46 L·week-1 in Caucasians, p < 0.001) and knowledge about energy expenditure (6.22 L·week-1 in unknowledgeable adolescents vs. 4.26 L·week-1 in adolescents who underestimated, 3.73 L·week-1 in adolescents who overestimated, and 3.64 L·week-1 in adolescents who correctly responded on the energy expenditure required to eliminate an SSB unit, p = 0.033). To conclude, community-based health promotion strategies should (1) focus on the physical effort needed to negate SSB consumption rather than the nutritional energy from SSB units and (2) highlight how to achieve sustainable lifestyles and provide tools for greater understanding and positive action.