Advertisement
question

How does sugar intake cause weight gain?

Jessica Crandall
Jessica Crandall on behalf of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Nutrition & Dietetics
answer

Anything in excess can lead to weight gain. Consuming sugar in moderation is not the problem. The problem arises when people overindulge in high sugar foods, which tend to make you crave more sugar. Speak with your dietitian about how you can cut back on your sugar intake.

Dr. Michael Roizen, MD
Dr. Michael Roizen, MD
Internal Medicine
answer
Sugar consumption is linked to weight gain. Simple sugars tend to be more concentrated in foods, meaning that you consume more calories per mouthful. Cutting sugar intake is a quick and easy way to make extra calories disappear from your diet. Foods containing lots of refined sugar are high in calories, and most of those calories are nutritionally empty. What about fruit, doesn't it have a lot of "fruit" sugar (fructose), you might ask? The answer is yes, but it is so beneficial that fruit overcomes this problem.
The RealAge Makeover: Take Years off Your Looks and Add Them to Your Life

More About this Book

The RealAge Makeover: Take Years off Your Looks and Add Them to Your Life

Why not live at 60 feeling like you did at 35?Thousands of Americans are younger today than they were five years ago. How is that possible? By following the specific recommendations that reverse...

Continue Learning about Carbohydrates

What foods are the main sources of carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are mostly plant-based foods -- fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. Learn more fr...
More Answers
How much carbohydrate should I consume?
The recommended intake is a minimum of 130 grams/day, or 45 -- 65 percent of daily calories for adul...
More Answers
What foods are high in starch?
What foods are high in starch? Foods high in starch include: starchy vegetables like peas, corn, lim...
More Answers
When figuring net carbs, can I subtract protein?
When figuring net carbs, can I subtract protein? When figuring net carbs, you can subtract carb gram...
More Answers

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.