Introduction
Youth obesity rates in Canada continue to rise. In this study, we produced
conservative estimates of the potential excess calories from alcohol use across different
alcohol consumption patterns common among Canadian youth to assess whether alcohol
use should be considered in future obesity prevention strategies.
Methods
Using data from 10 144 Grade 12 students participating in the COMPASS study
(2013/14), we estimated the number of calories consumed per year from alcohol consumption.
Our estimates were based on three different generic types of alcoholic beverages,
which were grouped according to average calorie content (vodka coolers; beer
[5%]; and beer [4%], wine and liquor) across different frequencies of alcohol use and
binge drinking.
Results
Results indicated high potential caloric intake for students who binge drank, as
well as high variability in the estimates for calories consumed based on common consumption
patterns for the different beverage types. For instance, 27.2% of students
binge drank once per month, meaning they consumed between 6000 and 13 200 calories
in one year (equivalent to 0.78 – 1.71 kg of fat). For the 4.9% of students who binge
drank twice per week, the total calories in one year would range from 52 000 to 114 400
(equivalent to 6.74 – 14.83 kg of fat).
Conclusion
Current recommendations for preventing youth obesity do not generally
include any consideration of alcohol use. The high prevalence of frequent alcohol consumption
and binge drinking by youth in this study and the substantial number of calories
contained in alcoholic beverages suggest alcohol use among youth may warrant
consideration in relation to youth obesity prevention.