Hot weather may make you grab that soda faster

Researchers have found that hot weather may be a major factor driving higher sugar consumption in the U.S., particularly through sugary beverages. By analyzing years of grocery receipt data and comparing it to local weather records, scientists discovered that Americans’ sugar intake increases with rising temperatures — about 0.7 grams more per person per day for every degree Celsius hotter it gets. Most of this added sugar comes from sodas, juices, and energy drinks. People who already consume sugary drinks are especially likely to drink more in hot weather.

The study, published in “Nature Climate Change,” raises concerns that climate change could amplify this trend. If global temperatures rise as projected, the average American could consume more than an extra pound of sugar annually by 2100, according to the study. Across the population, this would amount to billions of additional cans of soda each year.

Public health experts warn that this shift could worsen already pressing health risks linked to sugar, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, dental issues and neurological and gut health problems. Sugary drinks are particularly problematic because they don’t create a sense of fullness, making it easy to overconsume.

Read more: NPR

 

The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.