Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages increases the lipid-metabolic profile and adiposity among university students from Colombia

Objective To examine whether the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is related to disturbances in the lipid-metabolic profile and markers of adiposity in a sample of university students from Colombia. Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken in 280 volunteers from 3 universities in Colombia. Data for sugar-sweetened beverages consumption were collected using a frequency-intake questionnaire in the last week (BEVQ-15) including carbonated beverages and juices. We also estimated data for quantity and frequency of consumption (never, one time, 2-3 times and > 4 times per week). Data for biomarkers included total cholesterol, triglycerides, c-HDL, c-LDL, arterial index and Castelli index. Lipid-metabolic index was calculated through serum concentrations of triglycerides, c-HDL, c-LDL and glucose. Waist circumference, body mass index and fat mass percentage were evaluated via bioelectrical impedance and used as markers of adiposity. Results Male reported higher sugar-sweetened beverages consumption (> 4 times/wk) and elicited higher values of fat mass, waist circumference, total cholesterol, triglycerides, c-LDL and Castelli and arterial indices (P = NS). These relationships were also observed among women for body mass index, waist circumference, fat mass, triglycerides and c-LDL (P < .05). Furthermore, higher sugar-sweetened beverages consumption categories were negatively associated with lipid-metabolic index (P < .05) after adjustments by sex, age and body mass index. Conclusion A higher sugar-sweetened beverages consumption was associated with a major lipid-metabolic profile and also with higher concentrations of adiposity markers among university students from Colombia.