Soda Consumption is Associated with Risk-Taking Behaviors in Adolescents

Objectives: Soda consumption is on the rise among children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that increased soda consumption predicts risk-taking behavior among high school students. Methods: To test this hypothesis, we used data from the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System to compare the odds of engaging in a series of risk-taking behaviors among students who reported no soda consumption, occasional soda consumption (1 – 6 times per week), and daily soda consumption (≥ 7 times per week). Results: Daily soda consumption was associated with increased odds of engaging in 90% of the risk behaviors analyzed. In addition, there were sex differences in the magnitude of the relationships for many of these behaviors. Conclusions: These data suggest that in addition to increased risk of obesity, dental caries, and reduced sleep quality, soda consumption is associated with increased risk-taking behavior.