BMC Public Health (Aug 2008)

Sugar-added beverages consumption among kindergarten children of Crete: effects on nutritional status and risk of obesity

  • Sbokos Manolis,
  • Pateraki Maria-Styliani,
  • Sarri Katerina,
  • Linardakis Manolis,
  • Kafatos Anthony

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-8-279
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 1
p. 279

Abstract

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Abstract Objective To assess the intake of sugar-added beverages such as soft drinks and commercially available fruit juices in kindergarten children, and to examine its association with obesity indices, physical activity levels and dietary habits. Methods A total of 856 children aged 4–7 years living in Crete, Greece in 2004–5 were included in this cross-sectional study. Nutrient and food intake was assessed with the use of 3-day weighed food records. Body measurements were used in order to assess BMI and waist circumference, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was calculated with the use of a questionnaire. Results Approximately 59.8% of all children consumed sugar-added beverages on a daily basis. High intake of sugar-added beverages (> 250 g/day) was associated with low intakes of calcium (p 250 g/day) had higher BMI levels and two times greater risk of being overweight and/or obese (OR:2.35, p = 0.023). Conclusion High intake of sugar-added beverages in kindergarten children is associated with poor eating habits and inadequate nutrient intake, as well as increased risk for developing childhood obesity.