Beyond Thirst: Behavioral Patterns and Health Impacts of Carbonated Beverage Consumption among Adolescents

Abstract

Carbonated beverage consumption remains a prevalent behavior among adolescents and is increasingly associated with adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to examine consumption patterns, behavioral drivers, and self-reported health effects among middle-to-late adolescents using a cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected from adolescent students aged 12–19 years through structured questionnaires.
Descriptive analysis revealed that most participants reported low-to-moderate consumption, with approximately 60–70% consuming carbonated beverages occasionally or 1–2 times per week, while around 20–30% reported frequent intake (≥3 times per week or daily). The typical intake per occasion was approximately one standard serving (≈325 mL). Consumption was most commonly associated with leisure activities and social contexts, particularly during screen time and outings. Key determinants included taste preference, perceived refreshment, habitual consumption, and peer influence.
Health outcome analysis indicated a clear pattern in which higher consumption frequency was associated with increased prevalence of adverse symptoms. Frequently reported conditions included gastrointestinal disturbances (acid reflux, abdominal pain), sleep disturbances, dental problems, and cognitive-behavioral symptoms such as reduced concentration and irritability. Notably, participants with frequent intake patterns reported multiple concurrent symptoms more often than occasional consumers. In addition, over 80% of participants demonstrated awareness of potential health risks, yet this did not translate into reduced consumption behavior.
Barriers to reducing intake were predominantly craving, habitual dependence, and perceived functional benefits (e.g., refreshment and energy). These findings highlight a significant discrepancy between health awareness and actual behavior, suggesting that knowledge alone is insufficient to drive behavioral change. Targeted interventions should therefore integrate behavioral modification strategies, environmental control, and promotion of healthier alternatives to effectively reduce carbonated beverage consumption and its associated health risks among adolescents.