1. Introduction
cognitive impairment, Adiposity, SSBs, diabetes
METABOLIC DISEASE, ADIPOSITY, SECONDARY, DIABETES
Background: Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) forms the primary source of added sugar intake and can increase the risk of metabolic disease. Evidence from studies in humans and rodents also indicates that consumption of SSBs can impair performance on cognitive tests, but that removing SSB access can ameliorate these effects. Methods: The present study used an unblinded 3-group parallel design to assess the effects of a 12-week intervention in which young healthy adults (mean age = 22.85, SD = 3.89; mean BMI: 23.2, SD = 3.6) who regularly consumed SSBs were instructed to replace SSB intake with artificially-sweetened beverages (Intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) comprises the major source of added sugar consumption in youth and adults [SSB intake has also been associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment in meta-analyses of epidemiological data [Interventions designed to reduce SSB intake can improve metabolic parameters, as shown in meta-analyses of randomised clinical trials of studies in adults with overweight/obesity or at risk of diabetes [It is unclear whether switching from SSBs to low-calorie or unsweetened alternatives leads to changes in other components of the diet, such as a preference for sweet foods. Some evidence indicates that replacing caloric beverages with ‘diet’ options or water can improve overall dietary patterns [Thus, the present study used an unblinded, 3-group parallel design to examine changes in cognitive, metabolic, and affective parameters across a 12-week intervention in young healthy adult SSB consumers who were asked to replace their regular SSB intake with non-nutritive ‘diet’ drinks (Diet group) or water (Water group); or to continue consuming SSBs in the form of carbonated soft drinks (Sugar group). Short-term memory and waist circumference (primary outcomes) were assessed at baseline, weeks 6 and 12 of the 12-week intervention, and 12 weeks after the intervention. Adiposity, blood glucose, and lipids, sweet taste preference, and affective measures were among the secondary outcomes assessed before and after the intervention.