Sugar-sweetened beverages, effects on appetite and public health strategies to reduce the consumption among children: a review

Abstract

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) consumption have been of public health concern and a target of interventions due to their high consumption and burden in health-related consequences, particularly in children and adolescents. SSBs provide high energy intake with low nutritional value and are a major contributor for added and free sugars intake of Portuguese in all age-groups, especially adolescents. Despite its recognized effect on weight gain, it might also disrupt appetite regulation. Research on the effect of SSBs on appetitive traits is still scarce and unclear, and the current knowledge of these potential effects will be discussed in this review. This review also aims to describe public health strategies implemented to decrease SSBs consumption among children, particularly in Portugal, such as: (i) implemented taxation measures and its impact in sales and in preventable cases of disease and death, (ii) marketing regulations applied to children and adolescents, and ultimately (iii) the intention of application of a single Front-of-Package labeling system in all countries, aiming to increase consumers’ food literacy.