Soaring temperatures may lead to an uptick in sugar consumption rates
A new study, published in the prestigious journal Nature Climate Change on Monday, September 8, has shed light on the relationship between weather data and the consumption of added sugars in the United States. The study analysed household food purchases from 2004 to 2019 to uncover a correlation between temperature and daily per capita consumption of sugar.
The research found that as temperatures rise, the consumption of products containing added sugars increases significantly. Sugary drinks and ice cream are the main culprits, with these treats being particularly popular when temperatures soar. For every additional degree Celsius (between 12 and 30 degrees), daily per capita consumption of sugar increases by 0.70 grams.
Interestingly, the study did not repeat earlier findings about the correlation between temperature and daily per capita consumption of sugar, the popularization of sugary drinks and ice cream when temperatures soar, or the significance of the increase in sugar consumption. However, it is worth noting that the American Heart Association recommends no more than 24 grams of added sugars per day for women and 36 grams for men.
The study is one of the first to focus specifically on the relationship between added sugars and weather, and it did not include any advertisements in its findings. The analysis compared the food purchases with weather data, including temperature, wind speed, precipitation, and humidity.
While the study provides valuable insights into the relationship between temperature and sugar consumption, further research is needed to fully understand the implications of these findings. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of their sugar intake and make informed decisions about their diet, particularly as temperatures continue to rise due to climate change.
