The Role of Sugar in Weight Gain
1. Empty Calories Added sugars (like table sugar, corn syrup, and cane sugar) provide calories without nutrients. A can of soda may contain 150 calories, but no fiber, protein, or vitamins. These calories stack up quickly without filling you up. 2. Blood Sugar and Insulin Spikes When you eat sugar, your blood glucose rises sharply, prompting your body to release insulin. Frequent spikes can encourage fat storage, especially around the belly. 3. Cravings and Overeating Sugar lights up the brain’s reward system. This can create cycles of cravings and overeating, making it harder to control calorie intake. 4. Hidden Sugars Sauces, breads, yogurts, and even “health” snacks often hide added sugar. Cutting out obvious sweets is only half the battle. Bottom line: Reducing sugar lowers unnecessary calories and stabilizes energy—but it’s not the only key to weight loss. --- Why Cutting Sugar Alone Won’t Guarantee Weight Loss 1. Calorie Balance Still Rules You could stop eating candy but still c...