Fancy a sweet treat? Well...
Here is a list of the major negative effects excess added sugar has on the body:
Metabolic & Hormonal -----
Causes insulin resistance
Increases risk of type 2 diabetes
Promotes metabolic syndrome
Leads to fatty liver disease (NAFLD) due to high fructose metabolism
Disrupts hunger hormones (ghrelin ↑, leptin ↓) → more cravings
Increases belly fat (visceral fat)
Cardiovascular -----
Raises triglycerides
Lowers HDL (good) cholesterol
Increases blood pressure
Damages arterial walls (promotes atherosclerosis)
Increases risk of heart disease and stroke
Brain & Mental Health -----
Impairs cognitive function
Linked to memory decline
Increases risk of Alzheimer’s disease (sometimes called “type 3 diabetes”)
Stimulates reward pathways (can create addictive behaviours)
Linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety
Inflammation & Immune Function -----
Triggers systemic inflammation
Increases oxidative stress
Suppresses immune function short-term after consumption
Weight & Body Composition -----
High-calorie but low-nutrient (promotes weight gain)
Increases water retention and bloating
Promotes loss of muscle insulin sensitivity (harder to lose weight or build muscle)
Skin & Aging -----
Causes glycation (AGEs) (accelerates skin aging, wrinkles, loss of collagen)
Worsens acne via hormonal and inflammatory pathways
Gut & Digestive System -----
Feeds harmful gut bacteria
Disrupts microbiome balance (dysbiosis)
Increases risk of leaky gut and inflammatory bowel responses (especially fructose)
Cancer Risk -----
Promotes obesity
Increases insulin and IGF-1, which can stimulate cancer cell growth
Increases chronic inflammation
Oral Health -----
Feeds harmful oral bacteria (cavities and tooth decay)
Contributes to gum inflammation
Energy & Performance -----
Causes rapid energy spikes followed by crashes
Reduces sleep quality
Impairs metabolic flexibility (body’s ability to burn fat efficiently)