Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Associated With Increased Odds of Depression

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the association between depression and sugary drink intake using participant
data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS).
Design: Cross-sectional data from the 2012 and 2013 BRFSS were examined (N=44,603).
Depression was based on self-report of symptoms within the past 30 days. Covariates included
age, sex, race, employment status, body mass index (BMI), education level, and exercise in the
past 30 days.
Setting: Data from a national telephone survey (BRFSS) were used to assess risk factors associated
with health of the participants.
Subjects: Participants in the 2012 and 2013 BRFSS were included in this analysis (N=44,603).
Results: Adjusting for confounders, the odds of depression increased by 5% for every sugary
drink consumed (odds ratio (OR)=1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.02-1.10). Depression
was also associated with race, with non-Hispanic blacks being 60% more likely to be depressed
than non-Hispanic whites. Unemployment and having a high school or less education were
independently associated with depression. The association of depression and consumption of
sugar sweetened beverages was stronger among women than men.
Conclusion: This study indicates that consuming sugary drinks are associated with an increased
odds of depression. These findings support advocacy efforts for an overall healthy lifestyle.
In addition, future research should evaluate this association using a cohort design in order to
establish the temporality of this association.