Document Type

Peer Reviewed/Refereed Publication

Publication Date

2018

Publication Title

Journal of Exercise and Nutrition

Department

Applied Health Sciences

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity rates are rising throughout the United States. As a way to address obesity in a rural city in southwest Kentucky, researchers conducted a “Rethink Your Drink” challenge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a community health program in reducing the consumption of sugary beverages.

Methods: Researchers conducted a “Rethink Your Drink” Challenge in a rural city in southwest Kentucky. Educational materials illustrated how beverages fell into red, yellow, or green light categories based on sugar content. Materials were provided to corporate sponsors throughout a rural city in southwest Kentucky. Community members (n=296) volunteered to track their beverage consumption over a 4-week period. Researchers collected data sheets at the end of the 4- weeks and analyzed change in beverage habits.

Results: Researchers calculated weekly sugar intake as: [(red drinks * 3) + (yellow drinks * 2.25) + (green drinks * 0)]. Sugary beverage consumption decreased over the four weeks (t = 9.2, p < 0.001).

Conclusions: A community health program addressing sugary beverage consumption is an effective method to bring awareness to the hidden sugars and calories, which lead to obesity and obesity related diseases.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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