A randomized control trial for reduction of caloric and non-caloric sweetened beverages in young adults: effects in weight, body composition and blood pressure.

INTRODUCTION Recently has been documented that the consumption of sweetened non-caloric beverages has increased as an option to weight control, however randomized control trials have demonstrated a modest weight loss. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of reducing consumption of beverage with caloric and non-caloric sweeteners on weight, body composition and blood pressure in young Mexican adults. METHODS In an experimental study 148 nursing students were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups: 1) no sweetened beverages were permitted, only plain water, tea or coffee without sugar; 2) consumption of beverages with non-caloric sweeteners was allowed; and 3) no restriction of sweetened beverages was imposed. All groups were given individualized isocaloric diets monitored by a 24-hour record of consumption and food frequency questionnaire and blood pressure, weight, waist circumference and body composition by tetrapolar bioelectric impedance were taken at the beginning of the study and three and six months later. RESULTS Differences between groups were found in body mass index at 3 months that decrease in group 1 and 2 and increase in group 3 (-1.75 vs.-0.61 vs.0.54% of change, p < 0.001). At six months there were also statistical differences in waist circumference (-4.07 vs.-1.23 vs. 0.62% of change, p < 0.001) and sugar consumption (-62.0 vs.-54.61 vs.11.08% of change, p < 0.001) in groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. CONCLUSIONS The reduction in consumption of both caloric and non-caloric sweetened beverages contributes to signifi cant body mass index loss and waist circumference.