Sugar in coffee or tea and risk of obesity: A neglected issue

Aim In the Copenhagen Male Study sugar intake in coffee or tea is inversely associated with obesity. We analyzed the association of sugar intake with obesity among men with and without lifestyle factors indicating health awareness. Methods A cross-sectional study of 3,290 men aged 53-75 years including information about smoking, alcohol, physical activity, tea and coffee use, avoidance of fatty food, social class, self-assessed health, and family obesity. Results Overall, 291 men (8.8%) were obese, body mass index >= 30. Among men using sugar in coffee or tea (36%), the prevalence was 6.2%; among others, 10.3% (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.6 [0.4-0.8]). An inverse association between use of sugar in hot beverages and prevalence of obesity was consistent in subgroups, and most pronounced among the least health-conscious [odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.4 [0.2-0.8]). Interpretation The results indicate a weight-controlling or reducing effect of small amounts of sucrose ingested several times a day.