Sugar Sweetened Beverages and Weight Gain, Research Paper Example

Article #1: Research Objective

An article by Lim, Banwell, Bain, Banks, Seubsman, Kelly, Yiengprugsawan, & Sleigh (2014) addresses the significance of sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) and whether or not they contribute to weight gain within a specific population, a group of Thai students studying at university. This article supports the believe that SSBs have a significant impact on weight in many people and that an increased and/or routine use of these beverages is likely to contribute to significant weight gain in many people, thereby also increasing the risks associated with diabetes, obesity, and poor heatlh (Lim et.al, 2014). In this context, the study sought to better understand these mechanisms and how they impact individuals in different ways and contribute to poor health outcomes (Lim et.al, 2014). It is important to examine statistics regarding the use of SSBs within a specific population and whether or not this is a contributing factor to weight gain and other issues (Lim et.al, 2014).

Study Design

The study employed a cohort model from a set of statistics from a Thai population from a study known as the Thai Health-Risk Transition (Lim et.al, 2014). The study examined 59,283 responses of patients within the cohort who used SSBs on a regular basis and experienced a change in weight between 2005 and 2009 (Lim et.al, 2014). The study sought to examine SSB consumption and its frequency rate, along with weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) as the primary outcome measurement (Lim et.al, 2014). The study covariates included the self-reporting of residency, whether urban or rural, along with several sub-categories, including rural to rural (RR), rural to urban (RU), urban to rural (UR), and urban to urban (UU), along with the highest level of education that was earned (Lim et.al, 2014). Furthermore, the study identified a number of risk factors, such as alcohol and tobacco consumption, physical activity, and leisure time, among others, as well as the consumption of fried and Western foods and were coordinated with measurements of SSB consumption, as well as height, weight, and BMI (Lim et.al, 2014). The study examined the data using multiple linear regression that examined socio-demographic variables, along with diet, physical activity, and energy-dense diet consumption (Lim et.al, 2014). In addition, STATA 12 was used to measure SSB consumption and weight with different variables in order to determine if weight change had occurred and the extent of the change (Lim et.al, 2014).

Results

The study included a population of 54.8 percent females, along with a median age of 30 years and an urban population of 51.5 percent (Lim et.al, 2014). The study determined that males demonstrated a higher frequency of SSB consumption and that these factors influenced their weight by 2.0 kg, with an increase of 1.8 kg for females (Lim et.al, 2014). Those in urban areas were more likely to consume SSBs more frequently and particularly if they lived in Bangkok or other urban areas, as well as those who smoked or drank alcohol and had lower levels of education (Lim et.al, 2014). Between 2005 and 2009, SSB consumption had decreased from 23 percent to 16 percent for those persons consuming these beverages over three times per week (Lim et.al, 2014). Across both genders and all age groups, weight gain was prominent in the study population, particularly those who consumed SSBs more frequently and taking into account other socio-demographic variables (Lim et.al, 2014). It was generally determined that in patients who consume SSBs on a regular basis, there is an increased likelihood of weight gain, while those who consumed less SSBs were likely to experience lower levels of weight gain (Lim et.al, 2014). These factors represent an opportunity to examine the different constructs of SSBs and how they impact individuals in younger population groups, particularly when many individuals are unable to resist these beverages in their daily routines (Lim et.al, 2014).

Conclusion

One opportunity that the study presents is that SSB consumption had gradually declined, whereby there was an increased awareness of the dangers of excessive sugar consumption and how it might impact cardiovascular health and wellbeing over the long term (Lim et.al, 2014). From this perspective, it is important to note that there is an important opportunity to examine the different constructs of SSB consumption and how to address this challenge for many people throughout the world, particularly those in non-Western countries who live in urban areas and are directly impacted by Western food products (Lim et.al, 2014). One of the study limitations was that self-reporting was the only means of evaluating SSBs and its relationship to total energy intake; however, other considerations are likely to have an impact in this area and demonstrate the significance of SSB consumption and how it impacts individual health and wellbeing in many adults across a variety of age groups (Lim et.al, 2014).

Article 2: Research Objective

An article by Aeberli, Gerber, Hochuli, Kohler, Haile, Gouni-Berthold, Spinas, & Berneis (2011) addressed the significance of sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) on lipid metabolism and glucose in many patients of obese status; however, it is less known if these beverages have a strong impact on individuals who are of normal weight. The primary study objective was to determine whether or not there was an impact on LDL particle distribution and other factors in young men of healthy status over a three-week period (Aeberli et.al, 2011). This is an important study to undertake because it reflects the importance of glucose metabolism and how it is directly impacted by SSBs and whether or not this has a significant impact on healthy male patients in the same context as obese individuals (Aeberli et.al, 2011). It is important to identify these issues and to reflect upon the challenges related to SSBs and the degree to which they influence glucose metabolism and other bodily functions over time that could ultimately impact quality of life in different ways (Aeberli et.al, 2011). This is an important distinction to make because there are significant issues to consider with respect to SSBs and the level of sugar intake that occurs that may impact glucose metabolism in different types of patients, including those of normal weight (Aeberli et.al, 2011).

Study Design

The study employed a prospective, randomized, controlled and crossover trial that included a serious of interventions that took place over a period of six times at three-week intervals (Aeberli et.al, 2011). Patients were randomized and divided into the following categories: 1) 600 mL SSBs with 40 g fructose; 2) 80 g fructose; 3) 40 g glucose; 4) 80 g glucose; 5) 80 g sucrose; and 6) low levels of fructose (Aeberli et.al, 2011). Outcomes were distinguished at baseline and also at each intervention (Aeberli et.al, 2011).

Results

The study results indicate that LDL particle sizes were reduced after the consumption of high fructose by -0.51 nm at 95% Cl and -0.19, -0.82 nm; after high sucrose by -0.43 nm at 95% Cl and -0.12 and -0.74 (Aeberli et.al, 2011). In addition, it was determined that when participants consumed SSBs with fructose, there was a higher level of atherogenic LDL that formed in the process (Aeberli et.al, 2011). It was also apparent that fasting glucose and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were much higher after all interventions, and leptin also demonstrated an increase with the glucose-only intervention (Aeberli et.al, 2011). Therefore, it was evident that the consumption of SSBs had an impact on specific levels that impact weight and cardiovascular health (Aeberli et.al, 2011).

Conclusion

It was determined with this study that there is a significant impact of SSBs on those who consume them in that they impact cardiovascular risk rather significantly for otherwise healthy patients (Aeberli et.al, 2011). Therefore, it is important to identify the challenges of SSB consumption on a regular basis and how it impacts such factors as fasting glucose, hs-CRP, and LDL particles, all of which may shift into a higher risk area within a relatively short period of time (Aeberli et.al, 2011). This is an important step towards the discovery of new ideas and strategies that should aim to discourage consumption of these beverages and how they impact many young people who are classified as otherwise healthy (Aeberli et.al, 2011). Most importantly, the study indicates that there are significant factors to consider with respect to the consumption of SSBs and how they may transform different cardiovascular mechanisms within a short period of time, which is highly alarming and must be addressed more fully over the long term (Aeberli et.al, 2011).

Study Comparison

Both studies that have been evaluated provide a number of insights regarding the regular consumption of sugar sweetened beverages and how they impact general and cardiovascular health. The results of both studies are cause for concern because they have a direct impact on individuals and their lifestyles and any habits that are related to these beverages, coupled with other factors that impact their overall health, such as current weight, exercise and other forms of physical activity, and other variables. Therefore, it is important to identify the specific challenges that individuals face with respect to the consumption of SSBs even further and to examine how to address this as a serious problem that requires further evaluation and focus. These articles lead to additional questions regarding the safety and the risks associated with the routine consumption of SSBs and how it impacts the life span, along with other factors that are likely to influence outcomes for those consuming these beverages on a regular basis. Most importantly, it is evident that SSBs may contribute to weight gain in many patients, along with an increase in other factors that influence the level of cardiovascular risk that is observed. As a result, it is important to identify the risks and challenges related to these beverages and how to address their risks in a platform that will resonate with the younger population who face these risks that could impact their quality of life over the long term.

Both articles are clear in demonstrating that there is a significant impact on weight and overall health when SSBs are consumed on a regular basis over different periods of time. Therefore, it is important to demonstrate the value of these studies in determining how to approach SSBs in a public forum. Most importantly, the study used to examine the impact of SSBs on otherwise healthy males of normal weight is likely to have greater significance because it demonstrates the importance of reducing quality of life and overall cardiovascular risk in many patients. It is important to address these issues in the context of weight gain and potential changes to glucose metabolism, all of which may contribute to increased cardiovascular risk in some patient populations. Furthermore, it is necessary to evaluate the conditions under which there is significant potential to gain weight with the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages, as this requires further consideration and attention in order to accomplish improvements in health and wellbeing by refraining from these beverages on a permanent basis.

Although the studies used different approaches, they nonetheless led to similar results in that sugar sweetened beverages do not benefit individuals and typically are detrimental to human health, particularly if they are consumed on a frequent basis. This is an important reminder of the challenges related to health that are directly influenced by the consumption of sugar in different forms, including but not limited to sugary beverages. These studies reflect the importance of developing strategies to encourage individuals to refrain from large amounts of sugar consumption that provide no real health benefits on any level. Most importantly, both studies have a similar premise, even though they used different designs, in demonstrating that these beverages contribute to a host of factors that impact human health, such as weight gain and other factors that impact human health in a negative manner. It is important to identify some of these challenges using a variety of research studies in order to accomplish the desired objectives and to reflect upon the needs of individuals in preserving their health as best as possible.

The study conducted by Aeberli et.al (2011) is likely to have a greater impact because it reflects the importance of the reality of sugary foods and beverages and how they influence human health. Furthermore, the format of the study and the smaller population is more appropriate in addressing the impact of these beverages through individual tests to confirm levels of glucose tolerance and other matters that may lead to detrimental consequences. The health and wellbeing of many people is at risk due to the effects of sugar sweetened beverages, and a smaller study provides some of the most harmful representations and introduces the true risks that are associated with this consumption. Therefore, the randomized controlled trial is likely to have greater benefits for the medical and scientific communities in order to accomplish the desired objectives in developing strategies to improve human health by demonstrating the dangers of sugar sweetened beverages on a consistent and long-term basis, as well as their short-term complications.

References

Aeberli, I., Gerber, P.A., Hochuli, M., Kohler, S., Haile, S.R., Gouni-Berthold, I. Berthold, H.K., Spinas, G.A,  & Berneis, K. (2011). Low to moderate sugar-sweetened beverage consumption impairs glucose and lipid metabolism and promotes inflammation in healthy young men: a randomized controlled trial. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 94(2), 479-485.

Lim, L.,  Banwell, C., Bain, C., Banks, E., Seubsman, S.A., Kelly, M., Yiengprugsawan, V., & Sleigh, A. (2014). Sugar sweetened beverages and weight gain over 4 years in a Thai national cohort – a prospective analysis. PLoS One, 9(5).