Objectives: To evaluate 2-year changes in soda consumption, weight, and waist circumference.
Methods: We followed 11 218 women from the Mexican Teachers' Cohort from 2006 to 2008. Dietary data were collected using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Weight was self-reported, and waist circumference was self-measured. We used linear regression to evaluate changes in sugar-sweetened and sugar-free soda consumption in relation to changes in weight and waist circumference, adjusting for lifestyle and other dietary factors.
Results: Compared with no change, a decrease in sugar-sweetened soda consumption by more than 1 serving per week was associated with less weight gain (-0.4 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.6, -0.2). Conversely, relative to no change, an increase in sugar-sweetened soda by more than 1 serving per week was associated with a 0.3-kilogram (95% CI = 0.2, 0.5) increase in weight. An increase of 1 serving per day of sugar-sweetened soda was associated with a 1.0 kg (95% CI = 0.7, 1.2; P < .001) increase in weight. The results for waist circumference were similar.
Conclusions: Moderate changes in consumption of sugar-sweetened soda over a 2-year period were associated with corresponding changes in weight and waist circumference among Mexican women.