Disparities in consumption of sugar-sweetened and other beverages by race/ethnicity and obesity status among United States schoolchildren

Abstract

Objective: Identify disparities by race/ethnicity and obesity status in the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and other beverages among United States schoolchildren to help tailor interventions to reduce childhood obesity.

Design: Secondary data analysis using beverage intake data from 24-hour dietary recalls and measured height and weight from the third School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study, a 2004-2005 nationally representative sample of school-aged children and schools.

Setting: Schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (n = 287).

Participants: Children in grades 1-12 with a completed 24-hour dietary recall (n = 2,314).

Main outcome measure(s): Percentage of children consuming beverages in 8 beverage categories by school level and consumption location.

Analysis: Two-tailed t tests to determine significant differences (P < .05) between the proportions of children consuming beverages by race/ethnicity and weight status.

Results: Beverage consumption patterns did not substantially differ across weight status groups, but they differed by race/ethnicity in the home. Non-Hispanic black elementary schoolchildren consumed nonsoda SSBs more often and unflavored, low-fat milk less often at home than non-Hispanic white schoolchildren.

Conclusions and implications: Higher consumption of SSBs coupled with a lower consumption of milk is disproportionately affecting non-Hispanic black schoolchildren. Targeted interventions by racial/ethnic group are needed to promote more healthful beverage choices among schoolchildren, particularly at home.