Relationship between Total Sugar Intake and Obesity Indices in Female Collegians

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between total sugar intake and obesity indices in 362 female university students. This study was conducted using an anthropometric checkup and 3-day dietary records. Subjects were categorized according to the total sugar intake as ＜ 33.3 g (group Ⅰ, n = 90), 33.3-56.1 g (group Ⅱ, n = 91), 56.1-83.8 g (group Ⅲ, n = 91), ≥ 83.8 g (group Ⅳ, n = 90). No significant differences in age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), or the percentage of body fat were observed among the four groups. Based on BMI, 20.2% were overweight, and the percentage of body fat was ＞ 30% in 67.1% of all students sampled. Energy intake in each groups was 1,164.7 ㎉, 1,488.6 ㎉, 1,590.0 ㎉, and 1795.8 kcal, respectively (p ＜ 0.001). Total sugar intake in the groups was 20.5 g, 44.6 g, 68.3 g, and 111.8 g, respectively (p ＜ 0.001). Carbonated beverages were identified as the most significant food source for total sugar intake in female university students. The next major foods were ice cream, milk, coffee, fruit, sugar, cookies, bread, chocolate, corn syrup, rice, onion, maple syrup, pickle, and sweet potato. As intake of total sugar increased, intake of energy also increased significantly. Mean daily intakes of fat and calcium/1,000 ㎉ were significantly higher in group Ⅳ than those in the other groups. Mean daily intakes of vitamin C and vitamin E/1,000 ㎉ were significantly higher in group Ⅲ than those in the other groups. The percentage of subjects who consumed nutrients below the estimated average requirement was less in the higher total sugar intake group than that in the lower intake group. The obesity indices (weight, BMI, % body fat) were not associated with total sugar intake in the subjects. We conclude that total sugar intake does not seem to influence obesity indices in female university students.