The widespread overconsumption of sugary drinks, food and candy has evolved into one of the leading causes of health issues among Americans. Within the past century, the rate at which people purchase and eat these unhealthy foods increased by over 60%. This spike in deleterious consumption correlates with the increase in health issues, such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease — conditions extremely common among Americans. Looking at the history and health effects of sugar overconsumption helps to predict and prevent future consequences, furthering the depth to which sugary products dig their roots into American society.
In the early 18th century, Americans consumed relatively minute amounts of sugar. However, since the 1900s, the industrial revolution and improvements in manufacturing technology have led to an increase in the widespread availability of ultra-processed foods. Around 15 million years ago, an increase in caloric intake would not have caused an issue, as even the slightest amount of extra fat could spell the difference between life and death for early humans. However, a mutation in the uricase gene developed, changing the way human bodies use sugar, allowing them to convert glucose to fat more easily. However, over time, the decreased need for the rapid rate at which sugar converts to body fat, known as the evolutionary mismatch theory, creates significant health issues for modern consumers. Common issues include high blood pressure, liver disease and cancer.
While sugar overconsumption creates a number of issues, the primary concern pertains to the health effects accompanying it. The excessive intake of sugar frequently leads to an overabundance of triglycerides within the bloodstream. These cells perform vital tasks, such as regulating hormone production, energy storage and nutrient absorption. Despite their positive contributions, an excess amount of triglycerides can cause clogged arteries, especially near the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease and failure. Sugary foods and drinks also promote tooth decay and cavities, and since lower-income Americans face difficulties accessing proper dental care, the rate at which these issues occur increases dramatically. Similarly, the lack of appropriate healthcare services and healthy food options for lower-income citizens perpetuates the increase in sugary food consumption and, therefore, diet-related health issues. These issues impact people of all generations, but especially young children and developing teens. Even within Georgia schools and NC, administrators try to limit students’ sugar consumption by offering only sugar-free drinks in the vending machines and cafeterias.
“[Eating] high levels of sugar usually disrupts my concentration in class. It tanks my energy levels when I’m trying to do anything, and I become sluggish and don’t even want to think about doing any work. NC can reduce more of the high sugar snacks they provide with ones that are healthier and have less sugar. Granted, they still taste more or less the same, I think it would be beneficial to student performance because less sugar intake would probably improve student concentration and focus,” magnet sophomore Turquoise Sanders said.
Lawmakers, corporation owners and health professionals could utilize several strategies to prevent the significant increase in the production and consumption of sugary products. Lawmakers may try to implement higher taxes on sugary goods, which would generate awareness of the negative effects of unhealthy products and significantly reduce consumption rates. Additionally, corporation owners can reformulate products to decrease the amount of sugar they contain, while simultaneously replacing these ingredients with healthier options. Lastly, doctors could provide improved educational opportunities for families to learn about the potential negative effects of sugar overconsumption.
“Research indicates that we should limit how much sugar we consume in our foods and drinks. Overconsumption of high-carb foods and high-sugar foods has become common in the U.S., but it can lead to negative health impacts for both young people and older adults. All of these [health] conditions have become more common over the past several decades, as food companies increasingly marketed ultra-processed products that are high in carbs or have added sugar. Anyone concerned about this issue should ask their doctor for advice,” magnet biology teacher Grant McDurmon said.
While foods such as soda, candy, chips and ice cream taste delicious, dietitians recommend consuming them in moderation. The crucial need for balance within American diets highlights a dire issue that affects healthcare systems, massive corporations and overall public welfare. Unavailability of healthy food, corporate greed and poor educational opportunities all contribute to this widespread health crisis; however, countless options exist to reduce them. Although the effort to lower the heightened sugar consumption that Americans face proves extremely difficult, the struggle remains of equal importance.
