Utter J, et al. - This report highlighted the frequency of consumption of energy drinks among adolescents in New Zealand and analyzed the association between energy drink consumption and health risk behaviours, body size and mental health. Findings displayed that consumption of energy drinks was associated with a range of health risk behaviours in young people. Hence, new strategies were required to limit the consumption of energy drinks by young people.

Methods

• Data were collected as part of Youth’12, a nationally representative survey of high school students in New Zealand (2012).
• 8500 students answered a comprehensive questionnaire about their health and well-being, including multiple measures of mental well-being, and were weighed and measured for height.

Results

• More than one-thrid (35%) of young people consumed energy drinks in the past week, and 12% consumed energy drinks four or more times in the past week.
• Energy drink consumption was significantly associated with greater depressive symptoms, greater emotional difficulties and lower general subjective well-being.
• Frequent energy drink consumption was also associated with binge drinking, smoking, engagement in unsafe sex, violent behaviours, risky motor vehicle use and disordered eating behaviours.
• No association was observed between consumption of energy drinks and student body size.