SWEET MAPS: A Conceptualization of Low-Calorie Sweetener Consumption Among Young Adults

Background: The extent to which low-calorie sweeteners (LCSs) are helpful or harmful for weight management and metabolic health is unclear, because LCS effects may depend on the context in which they are consumed. Objective: To develop a conceptual framework for LCS consumption. Methods: Young adults ages 18-35 y, who reported LCS consumption, were recruited from a private, urban, university in the mid-Atlantic United States. Concept mapping, a mixed-method approach was used to identify, organize, and quantify determinants of LCS consumption. First, participants (n = 68) identified reasons for their LCS consumption through brainstorming; content analysis of those reasons identified 37 specific determinants of LCS consumption. Second, participants (n = 93) sorted all 37 determinants conceptually. Third, participants (n = 97) rated the extent to which each of the 37 determinants was reflective of their own consumption. Similarity matrices, multidimensional scaling, and hierarchical cluster analysis produced a series of 2-dimensional concept maps (SWEET MAPS). Results: The SWEET MAPS identified 37 determinants, organized within 8 factors reflective of 3 overarching motives: perceived health benefits, palatability, and accessibility of LCSs. At the determinant level, the most highly rated determinants that exceeded the boundary (rating >3.0) were: "I want something that tastes sweet," "I am trying to maintain/control my weight," "They contain fewer calories," "They are available," and "I want to save calories because I am eating a high-calorie meal." Conclusions: LCS consumption is a function of many inter-related determinants spanning biological, psychological, and social domains. The SWEET MAPS are an important and novel use of concept mapping methods that can be used to inform the design and interpretation of future studies evaluating LCS effects.