Dietary salt intake predicts total fluid consumption and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption which in turn increases the risk of obesity

In January 2013 researchers from Australia published the results of their research to assess the association between dietary salt, fluid intake, sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and weight status in 4,283 Australian children aged 2 to 16 years. Consumption of dietary salt, fluid, and sugar-sweetened beverages was determined via two 24-hour dietary recalls and BMI was calculated using recorded height and weight status. The results showed that dietary salt intake was associated with increased fluid consumption, with each additional 1 g/day of salt being associated with a 46 g/day increase in fluid intake. In those 2,571 individuals who reported consuming sugar-sweetened beverages it was seen that each additional 1 g/day of salt intake was associated with a 17 g/day increased intake of sugar-sweetened beverages. Individuals who consumed more than one serving of approximately 250 g of sugar-sweetened beverages were 26% more likely to be overweight/obese.

Grimes CA et al. Dietary salt intake, sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, and obesity risk. Pediatrics. 2013 Jan;131:14-21

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