Reasons Why Too Much Sugar Is Bad for You: What Causes Sugar Cravings?

A recent study reveals one surprising trigger for sugar cravings: hot weather. It turns out, you’re more likely to reach for that soda or sweet drink when temperatures rise.

Learn why too much sugar is bad for you

Handsome man drinking beer in the restaurant

Sugar Consumption Rises in Hot Weather

Americans already consume too much sugar, according to public health guidelines. Researchers tracked grocery receipts over several years and discovered that sugar intake spikes during summer months. This increase is mostly due to drinking more sugary beverages like sodas, energy drinks, and sweetened juices.

The study found that sugar consumption rises slightly with each degree Celsius increase in temperature.

The Link Between Temperature and Sugar Intake

Pan He, an environmental scientist at Cardiff University and co-author of the study published in Nature Climate Change, says:
“As temperatures get higher, people tend to increase their added sugar consumption.”

  • If sugar-seeking habits don’t change, Americans could consume even more sugar as climate change warms the country.

  • By 2100, the average American could consume over a pound of additional sugar per year.

  • Researchers compared grocery data with local weather records to establish this pattern.

Sugar intake went up by approximately 0.7 grams (about an eighth of a teaspoon) per day for every degree Celsius hotter it became. Most of this extra sugar came from sugary drinks.

Why Do People Crave Sugar in the Heat?

Duo Chan, a climate scientist at the University of Southampton and study co-author, explains that when it’s hot, people need more fluids to stay comfortable. Those accustomed to sugary beverages tend to simply drink more, making sugar cravings stronger during hot weather.

Why Too Much Sugar Is Bad for You?

Health experts warn about the risks of high sugar intake:

  • Sugary drinks don’t make you feel full, so it’s easy to consume too much quickly.

  • Excess sugar consumption is linked to cavities, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, neurological problems, and changes in gut health.

  • Climate change is causing longer, more intense heat waves, which may increase sugar cravings and consumption.

Laura Lara-Castor, an epidemiologist, emphasizes that sugary beverages are the main source of added sugar in American diets.

Public Health and Sugar Consumption.

During hot weather, people sweat more and need to drink more. The type of liquids chosen matters for overall health. Access to clean, safe drinking water can help reduce reliance on sugary drinks.

Lara-Castor urges public health policy to focus on making water more accessible and appealing to replace sugary beverages.

What Does the Future Hold?

With global temperatures predicted to rise by 2.7°C by 2100, sugar consumption could also rise significantly, increasing Americans’ sugar intake by about one pound per year. This would equate to over 4 billion extra cans of soda consumed annually.

Sugar cravings and climate study

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