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2000
Volume 21, Issue 9
  • ISSN: 1573-4013
  • E-ISSN: 2212-3881
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Abstract

Introduction

Childhood obesity results from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, often exacerbated by high consumption of energy-dense foods and sugary beverages. This study aimed to examine the relationship between sweet taste preference, sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption, and obesity among elementary school children in Indonesia, particularly within the structured environment of a full-day school.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was used among 129 students from Muhammadiyah 4 Surabaya Elementary School as participants. Data were collected through anthropometric measurements, 24-hour food records, SQ-FFQ questionnaires, PAQ-C activity questionnaires, and Rank-Rating taste tests. Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Sweet taste preference ( = 0.366), taste sensitivity ( = 0.773), total energy intake ( = 0.266), and school-time energy intake ( = 0.397) were not significantly associated with obesity. However, SSB energy intake ( = 0.046) and total sugar intake ( = 0.001) were positively correlated with the incidence of obesity.

Discussion

The findings indicate that while sweet taste preference alone may not predict obesity, excessive sugar consumption—particularly from SSBs—plays a major role. This suggests that the type and source of energy, rather than quantity alone, are more impactful.

Conclusion

SSB and sugar intake are significantly associated with childhood obesity. Interventions focusing on reducing sugary drink consumption, improving dietary habits, and increasing physical activity are essential. A multilevel approach involving schools, families, and policy is needed to address the growing prevalence of childhood obesity in Indonesia.

© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Bentham Science Publishers.
This is an open access article published under CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode
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Sweet Taste Preference, Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Consumption, and Obesity in Elementary School Children
Curr. Nutr. Food Sci. 21, 1007 (2025); https://doi.org/10.2174/0115734013391479250811112757
/content/journals/cnf/10.2174/0115734013391479250811112757
/content/journals/cnf/10.2174/0115734013391479250811112757
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keyword(s): nutritional education; Obesity; school children; sugar consumption; sugar-sweetened beverages; sweet taste preference

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