A Brief Motivational Intervention Differentially Reduces Sugar-sweetened Beverage (SSB) Consumption.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized controlled trial
PubMed 33778854 · doi:10.1093/abm/kaaa123
What was done
Frequent sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumers (>12 oz/day, N = 214) at a workplace implementing an SSB sales ban were evaluated to determine whether baseline motivations (craving, psychological stress, taste enjoyment) moderated changes in daily SSB intake at 6-month follow-up. Participants were randomized to receive a brief motivational intervention (BI) alongside the sales ban (n = 109) or the sales ban alone (n = 105).
What was found
Under the sales ban alone, individuals with high baseline SSB cravings (+1 SD) had significantly smaller reductions in daily SSB consumption at 6 months compared to those with low baseline cravings (-1 SD) (2.5 oz vs. 22.5 oz reduction, p < .01). Adding the brief intervention significantly increased reductions among high-craving individuals: those receiving BI reduced daily intake by a mean (SE) of 19.2 (2.74) oz versus 2.5 (2.3) oz in the ban-only group (difference of 16.72 oz, p < .001).
Why it matters
Environmental restrictions such as workplace sales bans may be insufficient for individuals with high beverage cravings. Combining institutional policy changes with individual motivational counseling can effectively support high-craving consumers in lowering sugar intake.
Limits
Outcomes rely on self-reported beverage intake, which is prone to recall and social desirability bias. The study was conducted in a single institutional workplace setting, limiting generalizability, and the abstract does not report outcomes for other assessed baseline motivations such as psychological stress or taste enjoyment.
Cited by
- supports Banning the sale of sugar-sweetened beverages across a workplace campus combined with a brief motivational intervention led to reduced soda consumption over time.