Sucrose Intake Linked to Weight Gain

Sucrose Intake Linked to Weight Gain

FREDERIKSBERG, Denmark--High sugar intake is linked to weight gain in overweight subjects, according to a study published in the August issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (82, 2:421-427, 2005).

Researchers investigated the effects of sucrose [n = 21; body mass index (BMI), kg/m): 28] or artificial sweeteners [n = 20; BMI: 27.6), predominately from soft drinks (70 percent; average of 1.3 L/d) for 10 weeks, on overweight male and female subjects. Sucrose intake increased by 151 percent in the sucrose group and decreased by 42 percent in the sweetener group, resulting in a 1.6/kg weight gain in the sucrose group and a 1.2/kg weight loss in the sweetener group. Concentrations of inflammatory markers including haptoglobin, transferrin, and C-reactive protein (CRP), increased by 13 percent, 5 percent and 6 percent, respectively, in the sucrose group, and decreased by 16 percent, 2 percent and 26 percent in the sweetener group. Adjustments for changes in body weight and energy intake did not substantially influence this outcome.

The study shows high consumption of sugar-sweetened foods and drinks is linked to weight gain, may increase haptoglobin and transferrin, and has a limited influence on CRP.