A Healthy Beverage Consumption Pattern Is Inversely Associated with the Risk of Obesity and Metabolic Abnormalities in Korean Adults

Abstract

As the use of beverages in diets is increasing, several studies have examined the effect of beverage consumption in human health. Thus, we aimed at identifying specific beverage patterns and determining their associations with obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors in Korean adults. Based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2008–2012 data, 19,800 Korean adults (≥20 years) with a single 24-h dietary recall and health examination data were investigated. All beverage items consumed by participants were categorized into 15 beverage groups based on the KNHANES coding system. Three major beverage consumption patterns were identified according to factor analysis: (1) the “healthy beverage” (high intake of dairy products, 100% fruit/vegetable juices and low intake of alcoholic beverages); (2) the “sugar-sweetened beverage” (high intake of soda, sweetened coffee/tea, and fruit drink); and (3) the “unsweetened beverage” (high intake of unsweetened coffee) patterns. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the odds of obesity (body mass index ≥25 kg/m²) and MetS (defined by National Cholesterol Education Program III [NCEP III]) for each beverage pattern after controlling for covariates. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations of the “healthy beverage” pattern with risks of obesity, abdominal obesity, and elevated triglycerides, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and blood pressure (BP) were 0.88 (0.79–0.98), 0.83 (0.74–0.92), 0.88 (0.78–0.99), 0.85 (0.79–0.98), and 0.81 (0.72–0.92), respectively. AORs (95% CIs) of associations of the “sugar-sweetened beverage” pattern with risks of abdominal obesity, elevated FBG and BP were 1.15 (1.03–1.30), 1.14 (1.01–1.29), and 1.18 (1.04–1.33), respectively. However, no associations were found between the “unsweetened beverage” pattern and any parameters examined. Intake of healthy beverages should be encouraged to reduce risks of obesity and metabolic abnormalities; however, individuals who consume sugar-sweetened beverages should be advised on the adverse effects of those beverages on the risk of obesity and MetS.