Energy Drink Consumption among Physically Active Persons in Lebanon: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Energy drinks (EDs) are caffeinated drinks marketed as energy and performance boosters and commonly used by athletes worldwide. They are widely used among youth and university students, with limited research about their consumption among physically active persons. Objectives: This study aims to assess ED consumption among physically active persons in Lebanon, the association between ED use and the participants’ general characteristics, and to explore the predictors of ED use among them. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted over three months, targeting 384 physically active persons from 8 gyms across Lebanon. Results: The prevalence of ED consumption was 49.2%, namely to boost energy (68.2%) and stimulate awakeness (19.3%). Around 20% used EDs during workouts, and 15.8% used them before it. Females had 59% lower odds of ED consumption than males (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.19-0.89), while older participants had 4.74 times higher odds of ED use (OR 4.74, 95% CI 1.16-19.3). Waterpipe smokers and alcohol consumption had 3.68 and 2.28 times higher odds of ED use than non-users. Among other sports, those doing weightlifting had significantly higher odds of ED consumption than others (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.30-5.25). Conclusion: The predictors of ED consumption should be considered for better-informed decisions and effective awareness campaigns.

Keywords

• energy drinks
• consumption
• athletes
• physical activity
• predictors