Consumption of soft drinks and body composition in chilean soldiers

Introduction: Chile is the main consumer of soft drinks (SD) in the world. Objective: To compare the consumption of SD with body composition in soldiers. Methods: a cross-sectional study, male soldiers underwent a food survey to determine the frequency of SD consumption, and an anthropometric evaluation was carried out that included a measurement of height, weight and body composition. Results: 375 soldiers were evaluated, the average age being 23.7 +/- 6.9 years. 94.6% of the sample indicates SD consumption, of which 71% consumed >= 1 glass of SD / day and 23.4% >= 3 glasses / day. The age of greatest consumption of >= 1 glass / day corresponds to those under 30 with 76.9%, followed by those over 40 with 50%. Soldiers who consume >= 1 glass of SD / day have less body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat% and hip waist ratio than those who consume <= 1 glass of SD (p <0.001), However, they present a significantly lower age (p <0.001). The highest consumption of SD is found in the groups that present normal weight. Conclusions: A high prevalence of SD consumption exceeding 90% is observed. However, the consumption of >= 1 BA glass occurs in young soldiers and with lower weight and body fat.