Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Does Sugar Cause Weight Gain?

I was wondering if sugar causes weight gain, or if it is the calories in the sugar that add up over time?  Janet R.

Dear Janet,
I love the way you phrased that, and you are correct! It is the calories that add up.


For example, if someone drinks several sugary juices or sodas each day, they will end up with a few hundred extra calories they aren't using and their body will store this as energy (fat) for later use.

The other issue is, many foods that contain sugar (like donuts, cake, and candy bars) have fat in them as well---putting on more calories and more weight.

There is nothing wrong with sugar, itself, in moderation---enjoy a teaspoon in your coffee or on your morning cereal without worry!

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