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Trial Lecture – time and place
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Adjudication committee
- First opponent: Associate Professor Leena Paakkari, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
- Second opponent: Research Professor Geir Scott Brunborg, The Norwegian Institute of Public Health,
- Third member and chair of the evaluation committee: Associate Professor Monica Hauger Carlsen, University of Oslo
Chair of the Defence
Professor Emeritus Marit Slaaen, University of Oslo
Principal Supervisor
Associate Professor Mads Nikolaj Holten-Andersen, University of Oslo
Summary
The primary objective of this thesis was to enhance our understanding of energy drink (ED) consumption among Norwegian adolescents and to examine its impact on their health. EDs are popular beverages with rising sales and consumption worldwide. These highly caffeinated drinks are marketed as enhancers of mental and physical performance, yet they are generally not recommended for children and adolescents in large quantities. Despite this, aggressive marketing and limited awareness of the potential health risks have led to significant consumption among young people.
This thesis utilized data from two cross-sectional, self-reported web-based surveys: Ungdata and UngOpp. Ungdata is an ongoing national survey conducted in lower and upper secondary schools. The UngOpp data were collected in 2017 from all 10th graders in the former Oppland County in eastern Norway, comprising 1,793 adolescents.
The findings reveal that EDs are increasingly popular among Norwegian adolescents, with consumption rising among both boys and girls in recent years. The highest consumers tend to be the most vulnerable, and frequent, high-volume intake is linked to several negative health outcomes. Additionally, most adolescents reported consuming EDs while socializing or engaging in screen-based activities.
To address this issue, it is crucial to reduce the sale and consumption of EDs among adolescents. Effective communication about the potential health impacts is essential to promote informed decision-making and healthier lifestyle choices. Furthermore, information on the consequences of ED consumption should be incorporated into policies, rules, and regulations targeting adolescents. However, more research is needed to explore the quantity of EDs consumed and the long-term effects of frequent consumption. A deeper understanding of the factors influencing ED consumption, and the perceived health effects is also necessary.
Additional information
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