More sugar because of the heat

MADRID (EFE).— Rising temperatures have multiple effects, some of which are not obvious. A study indicates that the heat can worsen the excessive consumption of added sugars because it encourages people to consume high-sugar frozen drinks and desserts.

Added sugar consumption is positively associated with temperatures ranging from 12 to 30 degrees Celsius. For every degree of temperature increase, intake increases by 0.70 grams per person per day, according to a study led by Cardiff University (United Kingdom).

The study, published in “Nature Climate Change,” analyzed the impact of climate on added sugar consumption in the United States between 2004 and 2019 and found that the effect was greater in households with lower income and education levels.

Researchers analyzed food purchasing data from American households during the selected period and compared it with regional weather data, including temperature, wind speed, precipitation, and humidity levels.

Heat can increase the need for hydration, as a higher metabolism increases water loss, which often leads to the consumption of sugary drinks, such as soda or juice, and frozen desserts, such as ice cream and sorbet.

As a result, “climate change could exacerbate the excessive consumption of added sugars, with critical health consequences, especially in countries and regions accustomed to consuming foods and beverages with high sugar content,” the study authors write.

The authors also projected that a national increase in added sugar consumption of up to 2.99 grams per day could occur by 2095, with a higher risk for certain groups, including women and people with low incomes and low educational attainment.

The results "highlight the critical need to mitigate health risks from excessive consumption of added sugars and explore dietary adaptation to climate change," the study notes.

At a glance

At risk

The population groups most at risk of increasing their added sugar consumption due to heat are women and people with low incomes and low educational levels.

Adaptation

The results make it necessary to explore dietary adaptation to climate change.