Loneliness and cravings for sugar-sweetened beverages among adolescents

The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is associated with weight gain in both children and adults. In addition to environmental factors, such as food availability, psychological variables, including mood states, also impact intake. In the current study, we focus on momentary associations between feelings of loneliness and craving for SSBs among adolescents and explore the moderating role of family functioning. Loneliness has been associated with a wide range of health outcomes, but to date, few studies have examined its association with cravings for SSBs.

Using an ecological-momentary assessment design, data were collected on 158 (males = 68, mean age = 15.13 ± 2.27 years) participants. Multilevel mixed-effects models were used to examine the relations between the main and interactive effects of loneliness and family functioning on cravings for SSBs, independent of other negative emotions.

Results suggest that loneliness in adolescents was associated with a small increase in craving for SSBs. Importantly, the relationship held after controlling for negative emotions, suggesting the unique role of loneliness. However, positive family functioning did not mitigate the relations between loneliness and craving for SSBs.

Loneliness uniquely contributes to cravings for SSBs. At the same time, family functioning did not buffer the influence of loneliness on cravings for SSBs among adolescents.