Trends in beverage consumption and contribution to total energy intake in the Philippines: 2008-2019

Abstract

Background: Unhealthy diet, including high consumption of beverages with added sugars, has been
attributed to the increasing trend of overweight and obesity.

Objectives: This study explored the trend in beverage consumption and estimated the percent energy
contribution of beverages to the total energy intake of selected population groups in the Philippines from 2008 to 2019.

Methodology: The proportions, mean intakes, and percentile distributions of energy intake from beverages of selected population groups in 2008, 2013, and 2018-2019 used in this study were estimated using the National Nutrition Surveys by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute. Two analyses were done for the energy intake from beverages: (1) beverages excluding milk and dairy products, and (2) all beverages. The energy intake from sugars and syrups was also noted.

Results: Results showed that the mean energy intake for beverages increased from 2008 to 2018-2019 for all age groups. The mean contribution of beverages to total energy intake, excluding milk and dairy products, was generally low but increased from 2008 to 2018-2019 with ranges from 2.3-3.7% and 2.8%-5.2%, respectively. However, high beverage consumers or those consuming ≥120 kcal per day, even excluding milk and dairy products, were observed in 6.3% of children 6 months to 5 years, 10.3% of children 6-12 years old, 16.1% of adolescents, 23.5% of adults, and 13.0% of pregnant women in 2018-2019.

Conclusion: Behavior change communication strategies are needed to prevent obesity and other lifestyle-related diseases, particularly in the population groups with a high consumption of caloric beverages.