02/04/2026
Dr. Szymanski's HEALTH BRIEF
Watch out for added sugar
Sugar has transitioned from being a dental concern to a significant public health threat, often ranked just behind cigarette smoking by health officials.
Sugar is closely linked to increasing rates of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and obesity. The main problem lies not in natural or table sugar, but in added sugars hidden in everyday processed foods such as pizza sauce, takeout meals, granola bars, and even yogurt.
Today, U.S. adults derive about 13% of their daily calories from added sugars, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a 30% increase since the 1970s, as reported in a 2016 study, contributing to widespread health issues.
While artificial sweeteners offer a low-calorie alternative, they may not provide the expected benefits. Research indicates they could promote overeating and obesity by altering appetite signals. Emerging studies also connect them to metabolic disorders and increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Reduce added sugar intake to mitigate these risks. Focus on whole foods and scrutinize labels for hidden sugars in "healthy" products. Avoiding or limiting artificial sweeteners is advised, as they may exacerbate rather than resolve weight and metabolic problems.
