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Meta-Analysis
. 2011 May;12(5):346-65.
doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2010.00755.x.

Nutritively sweetened beverage consumption and body weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized experiments

R D Mattes  1 , J M Shikany, K A Kaiser, D B Allison
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Nutritively sweetened beverage consumption and body weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized experiments

R D Mattes et al. Obes Rev. 2011 May.

Abstract

Nutritively sweetened beverages (NSBs) may play a role in the obesity epidemic. We abstracted data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and evidence-based reviews through January 2009 concerning effects of consumption of NSBs on changes in body weight and adiposity. Studies included were those (i) conducted in humans; (ii) lasting at least 3 weeks; (iii) incorporating random assignment of subjects to conditions that differed only in the consumption of NSBs and (iv) including an adiposity indicator as an outcome. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of six studies that added NSBs to persons' diets showed dose-dependent increases in weight. Contrarily, meta-analysis of studies that attempted to reduce NSB consumption consistently showed no effect on body mass index (BMI) when all subjects were considered. Meta-analysis of studies providing access to results separately for subjects overweight at baseline showed a significant effect of a roughly 0.35 standard deviations lesser BMI change (i.e. more weight loss or less weight gain) relative to controls. The current evidence does not demonstrate conclusively that NSB consumption has uniquely contributed to obesity or that reducing NSB consumption will reduce BMI levels in general. We recommend an adequately powered RCT with overweight persons, for whom there is suggestive evidence of an effect.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study screening and selection process
Figure 2
Figure 2
Estimated weight gain effect of mandatory NSB consumption
Figure 3
Figure 3
Forest plot comparing studies of added NSB consumption*. *See meta-regression section for heterogeneity statistics. Figure above does not represent dose-response relationship of added NSBs and weight. See Figure 2 for dose-response graph.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Forest plot comparing studies of reduced NSB consumption.* *See meta-regression section for heterogeneity statistics.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Forest plot comparing studies of reduced NSB consumption in overweight/obese subjects.* *See meta-regression section for heterogeneity statistics. NOTE: These were sub-group analysis where data was available.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Study-level risk of bias summary table and graph
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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