In January 2013 researchers from Australia published the results of their research to assess the association between dietary salt, fluid intake, sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and weight status in 4,283 Australian children aged 2 to 16 years. Consumption of dietary salt, fluid, and sugar-sweetened beverages was determined via two 24-hour dietary recalls and BMI was calculated using recorded height and weight status. The results showed that dietary salt intake was associated with increased fluid consumption, with each additional 1 g/day of salt being associated with a 46 g/day increase in fluid intake. In those 2,571 individuals who reported consuming sugar-sweetened beverages it was seen that each additional 1 g/day of salt intake was associated with a 17 g/day increased intake of sugar-sweetened beverages. Individuals who consumed more than one serving of approximately 250 g of sugar-sweetened beverages were 26% more likely to be overweight/obese.
Grimes CA et al. Dietary salt intake, sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, and obesity risk. Pediatrics. 2013 Jan;131:14-21