Prof. Paweł Bogdański, a leading Polish expert in obesity treatment and nutrition, emphasized the need for greater awareness and government policies to address the issue.
Reducing sugar intake, he argued, is critical not only for combating obesity but also for preventing a wide range of chronic diseases that burden both individuals and healthcare systems.
Bogdański, who heads the Department of Obesity Treatment, Metabolic Disorders and Clinical Dietetics at the Poznań University of Medical Sciences in western Poland, pointed out that excessive sugar consumption leads to weight gain, insulin resistance and a higher risk of over 200 diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.
He explained that sugar is calorie-dense, with 1 gram providing approximately 4 calories. When added to foods, it increases their caloric content, often resulting in a positive energy balance—consuming more calories than the body uses.
This imbalance leads to weight gain and contributes to obesity, a chronic condition that is difficult to treat and has a high tendency to recur.
Sugar's impact extends beyond weight gain. Foods high in simple sugars have a high glycemic index, causing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.
This triggers the pancreas to produce large amounts of insulin, which over time can lead to insulin resistance—a precursor to type 2 diabetes and other serious health issues, including certain cancers.
Additionally, excessive insulin production can cause reactive hypoglycemia, marked by symptoms such as irritability, rapid heartbeat and dizziness, often driving people to consume more sugar in a harmful cycle.
A particularly harmful sweetener is high-fructose corn syrup, commonly used in processed foods due to its sweetness.
Bogdański noted that fructose disrupts hormonal balance, reducing leptin levels—the hormone responsible for suppressing hunger—thereby increasing appetite and contributing to weight gain.
Excessive fructose consumption can also lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which affects an estimated 9–10 million Poles, potentially progressing to inflammation, cirrhosis and other complications.
To combat these issues, Bogdański stressed the importance of educating the public on the harmful effects of sugar and how to identify it in food products by reading labels.
He warned that even seemingly healthy products, such as fruit juices, can contain high amounts of natural sugars, fostering unhealthy dietary habits, especially in children.
For those struggling to reduce sugar intake, professional dietary guidance can be invaluable. Nutritionists can help individuals choose healthier alternatives, interpret labels, and identify hidden sources of sugar.
Emerging solutions, such as plant-based products that block the sweet taste, may also help people break their dependency on sugary foods.
Beyond individual efforts, Bogdański emphasized the role of state policies in shaping consumer behavior and the food industry. He praised the introduction of a sugar tax in Poland, which aims to encourage manufacturers to reduce sugar content in their products.
However, he noted that the funds from this tax, intended for public health initiatives, have yet to be fully accounted for by the government.
Bogdański also called for efforts to promote healthier food options, improve infrastructure for physical activity, reduce noise pollution, and alleviate stress in everyday life.
He concluded: “Individual actions are not enough. We need a broad set of measures to create an environment that supports healthier choices.”
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP