Reducing sugar consumption can help address the global obesity epidemic, according to a systematic review and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies. The review revealed that, although reduction of sugar intake resulted in minor weight loss (0.8 kg on average), it was significant enough to support current recommendations to reduce sugar intake to less than 10% of total energy.
Researchers at the University of Otago and the Riddet Institute in New Zealand analyzed the results of 71 studies (30 randomized controlled trials and 41 cohort studies) of sugar intake and body fatness to summarize evidence on the association between intake of dietary sugars and body weight in both adults and children.
The researchers found that advice to reduce free sugars was associated with an average 0.8 kg reduction in weight (in studies that ran for up to 8 months), while advice to increase intake was associated with a corresponding 0.75 kg increase. Free sugars were defined as sugars that are added to foods by the manufacturer, cook or consumer; plus those naturally present in honey, syrups and fruit juices.
This parallel effect, the researchers suggest, was likely due to an altered energy intake, since replacing sugars with other carbohydrates did not result in any change in body weight.
The evidence was less consistent in children, mainly due to poor compliance to dietary advice. However, the risk of being overweight or obese increased among children with the highest intake of sugar-sweetened beverages compared with those with the lowest intake.
Researchers at the University of Otago and the Riddet Institute in New Zealand analyzed the results of 71 studies (30 randomized controlled trials and 41 cohort studies) of sugar intake and body fatness to summarize evidence on the association between intake of dietary sugars and body weight in both adults and children.
The researchers found that advice to reduce free sugars was associated with an average 0.8 kg reduction in weight (in studies that ran for up to 8 months), while advice to increase intake was associated with a corresponding 0.75 kg increase. Free sugars were defined as sugars that are added to foods by the manufacturer, cook or consumer; plus those naturally present in honey, syrups and fruit juices.
This parallel effect, the researchers suggest, was likely due to an altered energy intake, since replacing sugars with other carbohydrates did not result in any change in body weight.
The evidence was less consistent in children, mainly due to poor compliance to dietary advice. However, the risk of being overweight or obese increased among children with the highest intake of sugar-sweetened beverages compared with those with the lowest intake.
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