Predictors of sugar-sweetened carbonated beverage consumption and its effect on adiposity parameters of female Saudi students

The prevalence of obesity has recently increased, accompanied by a steep increase in the consumption of sugar-sweetened carbonated beverages (SSCBs). This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the impact of SSCB consumption on adiposity parameters and to identify factors associated with increased SSCB intake among young adult females in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. A validated closed questionnaire including 2 sections, general socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics and anthropometric measurements, was used for data collection of female students (n = 1616) from Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and body composition were measured using an Omron HBF-510 body composition analyzer. Overall, 30.2% of the study participants consumed soda regularly. However, the percentages of occasional and never/rare soda intake were 40.1% and 29.7%, respectively. The results showed that BMI, WC, HC, body fat, and visceral fat increased with increasing SSCB intake. Physical inactivity, low income, smoking, low daily water intake, and obesity were associated with increased consumption of SSCB. In conclusion, a high rate of SSCB consumption increased obesity and body fat content in young adult females in Makkah City. Physical inactivity, low income, smoking, low daily water intake, and obesity were identified as predictors of increased SSCB consumption. Specific health education programs and effective public awareness campaigns could be held to address unhealthy SSCB drinking patterns to help improve young women’s health.