Beverage Consumption in Reproductive-Age and Postmenopausal Mexican Women: Habits and Associated Factors

Water consumption in adults usually reaches lower levels than the recommendations, and evidence of the beverage consumption habits of women in the stages around menopause is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the consumption of beverages and to determine how physical, psychological, and environmental factors modify the hydration habits of reproductive-age and postmenopausal women in the northeast of Mexico. We carried out a cross-sectional study of 40-65-year-old female (n = 690) residents in the metropolitan area of Monterrey, Nuevo León state, Mexico, who were classified as reproductive (n = 263) and postmenopausal (n = 427). Anthropometrics, including body composition, beverage consumption, physical activity, and physical, psychological, and environmental factors, were assessed. There were no differences between the BMI and waist-to-height ratio of reproductive-age and postmenopausal women. The total daily beverage consumption did not differ between reproductive-age and postmenopausal women, with an average beverage consumption of 2723-2915 g/day. A third of the women studied consumed less than 1.5 L/day, and another third-mainly the younger participants-consumed between 1.5 and 2.0 L/day. The most consumed beverage was plain water, followed by regular soda, flavored beverages, coffee, and diet soda. Consumption of regular soda, flavored beverages, and milk was higher among reproductive-age women. The postmenopausal women indicated a higher consumption of plain water and juices. Similar effects of physical and psychological factors and environmental temperature on the beverage consumption of reproductive and postmenopausal women were observed. Physical activity, maximum daily temperature, and body composition were the factors that conditioned beverage intake.