Carbonated Beverage Consumption Pattern and their Association with Body Weight among Adults – A Cross-Sectional Study

The Epidemic rise in obesity has become a serious public health concern with disrupted dietary habits, among which carbonated drinks are brought to attention by being high in calories and low in nutritional value. Unlike solid food, carbonated drinks are liquid calories, which are less effective on the hunger hormone and promote satiety. Therefore, a lack of satiety leads to an increased calorie intake of solid foods, leading to a doubled calorie intake and increasing risk of weight gain. Objective: The objective of this research is to gain a better understanding of the consumption of carbonated drinks, which causes obesity in the adult population. By raising awareness about the harmful effects of carbonated drink consumption, we aim to help people recognise their physical body status and guide them towards a "better me."Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted on 406 individuals ranging in age from 18 to 59 years. To analyse the consumption of carbonated drinks and its effects on satiety and obesity. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire in which there were demographic details and anthropometric assessments, and their knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding carbonated beverages and their physical body status were assessed using an Omron Kadara Body scanner. Furthermore, descriptive Statistical analysis methods and correlational analysis were used for data analysis to compare the independent variable with dependent variables. Results: The sample includes 406 individuals ranging from age 18-59 years. Among females, 53.6%, and males, 46.3%, among which 77.6% of males had been exposed to carbonated drinks as children, and 60% of them complained of weight gain, of which 60.6% of males and 45.8% of females had self-introduced the drinks. 63% were ignorant of the ingredients of carbonated drinks and failed to read the nutritional information on the label, and 70.2% are addicted to them because they consume them during meals, 54.4% tried to stop but failed, but they are significantly reducing their excess weight and are willing to stop obesity soon, and 93% think that more public education about the health risks of carbonated drinks is necessary. Conclusion: In summary, knowledge regarding carbonated drinks suggested that participants are well aware of the negative effects of carbonated drinks, and there is a significant gap between this awareness and their actual behaviour. An understanding is required to successfully support public health concerns around the consumption of carbonated beverages. Keywords: Obesity, Carbonated drinks, Body Mass Index (BMI), Physical body status.