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Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages in People with Severe Mental Illness: A Community-Based Cohort Study
The excess mortality observed in individuals with mental illness is primarily due to high rates of physical illnesses, which contribute to poorer health outcomes. This study by Lambert et al. (2024) investigates the intake of added sugars from sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and factors linked to poor mental and physical health in individuals with severe mental illness. In the Collaborative Centre for Cardiometabolic Health in Psychosis clinics, where a dietician takes dietary history, data was gathered as part of routine care for patients, furthermore, the consumption of SSBs and sweetened tea/coffee over the past week was documented. In total, 1648 service occasions with 1142 consumers (average age 45.0 ± 12.5 years, 63.5% male) were included. Of these, 1234 (74.9%) occasions involved a dietitian’s consultation. Approximately two-thirds (n = 840) reported consuming at least one SSB or sweetened tea/coffee, with over half (697, 56.5%) having one or more SSBs, and 437 (35.4%) drinking sweetened tea/coffee. The mean daily intake of added sugars from these beverages was 86.2 g/day. Multivariable analysis showed that males, individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, those taking Olanzapine and/or other antipsychotics, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds were significantly more likely to consume added sugar. The study concludes that added sugar consumption from SSBs among community mental health service consumers is four times higher than in the general population, not accounting for other discretionary foods. Monitoring SSB intake could serve as a practical proxy for assessing dietary risk, especially when dietitians are unavailable. [NPID: Sugar-sweetened beverages, severe mental illness, soft drinks, tea, coffee]
Year: 2024
