Objective: To systematize literature references addressing the association of
sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) and milk intake with body mass index (BMI) in
adolescents. Data source: A search was carried out in PubMed (US National Library of Medicine National
Institutes of Health) and BVS (Virtual Library in Health). The descriptors used
were: adolescents, young adult, beverages, drinking, obesity, overweight, BMI, and
nutritional status. The following filters were applied: age ranging from 10 to 19
years, studies published in Portuguese or English language between 2011-2015. Data synthesis: Thirty studies were selected (22 cross-sectional studies, 4 cohort studies, 1
randomized clinical trial, 1 case-control study, and 1 quasi-experimental study).
There was association between the intake of these beverages and increase in BMI in
55% of all 20 studies that dealt with sugary drinks. When it came to soft drinks,
100% of studies reported association with increase in BMI. As to milk intake, only
one article showed association with increased BMI. Three articles reported milk as
a protection factor against increase in BMI; three studies found no association
between this intake and BMI. Nineteen studies had representative samples and 20
surveys reported random samples. Among papers using questionnaires, 84% had been
validated. Conclusions: There is no consensus in the literature about the association between SSB or milk
intake and BMI in adolescents.
Ultrasonography is a useful method to estimate intra-abdominal adipose tissue in adolescents, which is associated with the main factors related to obesity and metabolic syndrome.
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