The objective of the study was to assess the relations of socioeconomic and behavioral factors to frequent consumption of
sugar-sweetened soda among New York City (NYC) adults and the relation of frequent consumption to body mass index (BMI; kg/m
2). Data from the 2005 NYC Community Health Survey, a population-based telephone survey, were analyzed. Frequent consumption
was defined as drinking one or more 12-oz servings of sugar-sweetened soda on an average day; 9,865 adults, aged 18 years
and older, provided valid responses. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with frequent consumption,
and linear regression models were used to assess the relation of frequent consumption to BMI. An estimated 27.5% of NYC adults
are frequent sugar-sweetened soda consumers. Frequent consumption is independently associated with low household income (odds
ratio [OR] = 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4–2.1 for <200% vs. ≥600% federal poverty level) and with ethnic group and
nativity (e.g., OR = 3.1, 95% CI 2.6–3.7 for U.S.-born blacks vs. whites). Men report more consumption then women, but an
association of less education with frequent consumption is stronger among women. Adjusting for demographics, frequent consumption
is associated with more television viewing and with less physical activity. Adjusting for demographics and behaviors, frequent
consumption was associated with higher BMI among women (0.7 BMI units, 95% CI 0.1–1.2) but not among men. Disparities in sugar-sweetened
soda consumption mirror obesity disparities. Improved surveillance and interventions are needed to better quantify and reduce
consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, especially in groups most impacted by obesity.
Keywords Obesity - Epidemiology - Carbonated beverages/adverse effects - Cross-sectional studies - Health disparities.