Differential underreporting and other caveats about sugar-sweetened beverages and weight gain

摘要

We read with great interest the meta-analysis by Forshee et al (1) in the June 2008 issue of the Journal. It is at least curious that 2 other studies on the same topic were simultaneously published in other journals (2, 3). Both of these studies suggest at least a partial role of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) on weight gain among children and adolescents. Another study published in 2007 that was not included in the meta-analysis also suggested a detrimental effect of SSBs (4). In addition, some methodologic issues are worthy of consideration.