Introduction of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) early in life and consumption of these beverages are more common among minority populations in the US and can contribute to childhood obesity and other detrimental health consequences as children and toddler grow.  Early introduction of SSB to an infant/toddler has been associated with childhood obesity and excess weight gain. 

Latinos have high rates of diabetes and consume more sugary drinks and less water than other demographic groups. Access to safe, affordable water and perceptions about tap water safety are associated with lower water intake and higher sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption among Hispanics. 

Our objective was to understand beverage choice motivations and test promotional concepts that can entice Latino parents and youth to drink more water.   Studies conducted in Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica and Guatemala.

Shared Perceptions on Upstream Factors that Influence Water and Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption Among Hispanic Families in the Greater Washington, DC, Metro Area: Qualitative Results From Focus Group Discussions, Michelle Estradé, MS, RDN; Rosalina Burgos-Gil, EdD; Lillian Witting, MPH; Ivonne Rivera, MPH; Joel Gittelsohn, PhD; Uriyoán Colón-Ramos, ScD, MPA, JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS, 2024

Research Brief : Developing shared systems and policy strategies to sustain healthy beverage choices among Hispanic families of infants and toddlers in the greater Washington DC metro area