Knowledge of daily calorie recommendations is associated with lower consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages

Introduction: Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) contributes to excess calories and is associated with negative health outcomes including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Although reducing SSB consumption has become an increasingly important public health priority, factors which influence this behavior are poorly understood. This study contributes to this evidence gap. Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey design, the Los Angeles County (LAC) Department of Public Health collected data on socio-demographics, SSB consumption behaviors, and public opinions about healthy eating through a street intercept survey of adults targeted by a recent media campaign on sugary drinks in LAC (n = 1,041). In addition to descriptive and subgroup analyses, a negative binomial regression model was constructed to assess the relationship between knowledge of daily calorie recommendations and the number of SSBs consumed. Results: Only one-third (32.4%) of respondents could correctly identify average daily recommended calorie limits. This percentage differed dramatically by demographic factors, especially by education level. After controlling for socio-demographics, knowledge of daily calorie recommendations was found to be associated with consumption of significantly fewer SSBs (on average, 9 fewer). Discussion: Study findings suggest that knowledge about average daily recommended calorie limits plays a role in SSB consumption behaviors. Although growing attention has been focused on system/environmental change efforts to reduce obesity, complementary interventions that use traditional health education and mass media counter-advertising should remain a vital part of public health's response to addressing the root causes of obesity including excess SSB consumption.