Fructose in drinks could be the driver of the obesity epidemic

Fructose sweeteners in processed food and drinks could be one of the key drivers of the obesity epidemic.

They could also be rewiring our metabolism and triggering metabolic syndrome, a precursor of diabetes and heart disease.

Although sucrose has been singled out as the bad boy of the sweeteners, fructose—and especially high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in sugary drinks—could be doing far more harm.

Both sweeteners contain glucose, but the type in fructose seems to behave differently in the body, and may accelerate fat storage and metabolic disease, which can lead to obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular problems.

Researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz say that fructose isn’t just another empty calorie; it acts as a metabolic signal that promotes fat production and storage in ways that differ fundamentally from glucose.

Fructose is processed through metabolic pathways that bypass some of the body’s normal regulatory controls, and this can increase fat production, reduce cellular energy levels (ATP) and generate compounds associated with metabolic dysfunction.

What do you think? Start a conversation over on the... WDDTY Community