Does high-fructose corn syrup contribute to obesity more than other types of sugar? Explain your answer

Answer 1

Over the past several decades, as obesity rates increased sharply, consumption of added sugars reached an all-time high—largely because high-fructose corn syrup use, especially in beverages, surged. High-fructose corn syrup is composed of fructose and glucose in a ratio of about 50:50 . Compared with sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup is less expensive, easier to use, and more stable. In addition to being used in beverages, high-fructose corn syrup sweetens candies, baked goods, and hundreds of other foods. The use of high-fructose corn syrup sweetener parallels unprecedented increases in the incidence of obesity, but does this mean that the increasing sugar intakes are responsible for the increase in body fat and its associated health problems? Excess sugar in the diet may be associated with more fat on the body. When they are eaten in excess of need, energy from added sugars contributes to body fat stores, raising the risk of weight gain. When total energy intake is controlled, however, moderate amounts of sugar do not cause obesity. Thus, to the extent that sugar contributes to an excessive energy intake, it can play a role in the development of obesity.

Because swallowing liquids requires little effort, the liquid form of sugar in soft drinks makes it especially easy to overconsume kcalories. Sugar-sweetened beverages are energy-dense, providing more than 150 kcalories per 12 ounce can, and many people drink several cans a day. The sugar kcalories of sweet beverages also cost less than many other energy sources, and they are widely available. The convenience, economy, availability, and flavors of sugary foods and beverages encourage overconsumption.

Limiting selections of foods and beverages high in added sugars can be an effective weight-loss strategy, especially for people whose excess kcalories come primarily from added sugars. Replacing a can of cola with a glass of water every day, for example, can help a person lose a pound (or at least not gain a pound) in one month. That may not sound like much, but it adds up to more than 10 pounds a year, for very little effort.