Chances are you already know that eating excess sugar isn’t healthy. However, most people are unable to cut out sugar for a number of reasons. Firstly, it’s addictive, and this makes it difficult to resist. Secondly, it’s an ingredient in almost every processed food. You’ll find it in baked foods, refreshments, snacks, sauces, breakfast cereals, and more.
The truth is, excess sugar in your diet can be harmful in many ways, including causing weight gain. In this article, The Wellness Restoration Center explains the five ways in which sugar makes you gain weight. You’ll also learn how to maintain a healthy weight and achieve overall wellness.
Empty Calories
Sugary foods and drinks are notorious for providing "empty calories," meaning they offer minimal nutritional value alongside a significant calorie load. These calories readily contribute to a surplus, where the body stores the excess as fat. This process is efficient due to the rapid absorption of simple sugars. Consistently consuming these calorie-dense, nutrient-poor items makes it exceptionally easy to exceed daily caloric needs, leading to gradual, yet steady, weight accumulation.
Insulin Spikes and Resistance
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BOOK AN APPOINTMENTWhen you consume sugar, your body releases insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. Frequent sugar consumption forces the body to release excessive insulin, which over time can lead to insulin resistance. This means your cells no longer respond properly to insulin. Over time, more sugar will be stored as fat instead of being used for energy. Insulin resistance contributes to obesity, metabolic disorders, and even type 2 diabetes.
Increased Cravings
Sugar’s addictive nature activates the brain’s reward system and causes intense cravings and a desire for more. This can easily spiral into overconsumption. The more sugar you consume, the more your brain craves it. This creates a vicious cycle of unhealthy eating patterns. The cravings can undermine your willpower and make it difficult to adhere to a balanced diet.
Disruption of Hunger Hormones
Leptin and ghrelin are two key hormones that regulate hunger and fullness. Excess sugar interferes with leptin, the hormone responsible for signaling when you’re full. At the same time, it can increase ghrelin, which stimulates hunger, making you feel the need to eat even when your body has had enough. This hormonal imbalance encourages constant snacking and larger meals. Before you know it, you find yourself adding more pounds. A disrupted hunger system makes portion control and mindful eating much harder.
Gut Microbiome Disruption
Excessive sugar consumption can negatively impact the balance of bacteria in your gut. An unhealthy gut microbiome can contribute to increased inflammation, insulin resistance, and weight gain. Some harmful bacteria thrive on sugar, and a high-sugar diet promotes their growth. This imbalance can disrupt metabolic processes and increase fat storage.
Excess consumption of sugar contributes to weight gain in a lot of ways. For the sake of your health and well-being, it’s advisable to cut out sugar and opt for whole foods. Your body will thank you with increased energy, improved mood, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases. If you’re overweight or obese, you may want to consider medical weight loss programs for personalized guidance and support.
If you’re looking for specialists offering safe and effective medical weight loss, look no further than The Wellness Restoration Center. We have set ourselves apart by offering personalized care plans and evidence-based weight loss solutions for over 30 years. Our team combines the latest health innovations with wellness practices to help individuals achieve their goals. Contact us today to book an appointment.
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