5. Conclusions
SSBs
DISEASE, OBESE, SEQUELAE, TYPE 2 DIABETES
The STOP Sugars NOW trial is the first to pragmatically investigate the effect of the intended use of NSBs to replace SSBs compared with the “standard of care” water in those who are regular consumers of SSBs and at high risk of the sequelae of overconsumption of SSBs. We successfully recruited and randomized 80 participants in the main trial and 32 participants in the Ectopic Fat sub-study. Baseline characteristics for both the main and Ectopic Fat sub-study were similar and meet our eligibility criteria. Overall, the study participants in both the main trial and the Ectopic Fat sub-study represent an overweight or obese group with characteristics putting them at risk for type 2 diabetes and other NCDs. Additionally, the study sample is representative of the average SSB consumer in Canada, making the study’s results applicable to disease prevention in target population for public health interventions to reduce SSB intake. The results of this unique trial will be presented at scientific meetings, published in peer-reviewed academic journals, and included in updated systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The results will inform guidelines for NSBs as a replacement strategy for SSBs, compared with “standard of care” (water), aiding in knowledge translation related to the health effects of NSBs in their intended substitution for SSBs; improving health outcomes by educating healthcare providers and patients, stimulating industry innovation; and guiding future research design.