Health

Is Sugar Responsible for the Obesity Epidemic?

Published

4 years ago

May 17, 2021

The developed world is currently struggling with an obesity epidemic, responsible for higher rates of death and various diseases and conditions (including diabetes and heart disease). The percent of U.S. adults over the age of 19 who are overweight is now 73.6 percent, with 42.5 percent of adults being formally classified as obese – and the statistics for children and adolescents aren’t much better.

Various nutrition and health experts have pointed the finger at different culprits over the years, with many people blaming sugar intake for the rise in obesity. But is sugar completely to blame for the obesity epidemic? And if so, what can we do about it?

The Problems With Sugar

Essentially, the problems with sugar

A source of excess calories. First and foremost, sugar is a source of excess calories – and often, those calories are empty. Sugar is a type of simple carbohydrate that comes in a few different forms, including glucose and fructose, but it always carries 4 calories per gram. It’s found naturally in a variety of foods, including those we find nutritious and part of a “healthy diet,” like apples and other fruits. However, it’s also frequently added to processed foods, especially desserts, making them richer and more caloric. When human beings consume more calories than they expend in the course of a day, they store the extra energy in the form of fat. Put simply, sugar is a rich source of calories, so eating too much sugar can lead to weight gain.
Good taste. Adding to the complexity of the situation is sugar’s delicious taste. Humans evolved to favor sweet foods, like fruits, because they’re both rare and nutritious in the wild. But these days, sugar is plentiful – and it still tastes just as delicious. People love eating sugar, feeling a release of dopamine and other “feel-good chemicals” whenever they do it, so much so that some experts believe it’s possible to be addicted to sugar. If you have a bad habit of eating high-calorie, sugary foods, this quality of sugar can make the problem worse.
High prevalence. Sugar has the potential to make a person overweight, sure, but can it really be blamed for an entire culture of overweight people? The answer is partially yes, if for no other reason than its high prevalence. Food producers all over the world pack sugar into their foods whenever possible – especially a certain type of sugar called high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which functions as a preservative in addition to its sweetening effect. This makes sugar hard to avoid – and adds calories to otherwise perfectly good food choices.
High glycemic index. It’s also worth noting that sugar metabolizes in the body differently than other carbohydrates and other nutrients. It carries a high glycemic index (GI), meaning it processes very quickly, releasing into the bloodstream at a fast rate. However, it should be noted that the evidence that sugar has a direct impact on obesity rates independent of its caloric content is difficult for experts to parse. In other words, we’re not sure whether sugar’s fast processing in the body makes its calories have a different impact on the body than comparable qualities from a lower-GI food.

How to Handle the Sugar Problem

So what can we do to handle the sugar problem?

Everything starts with us being more educated consumers. We need to pay careful attention to the labels of the food products we buy, and understand that added sugar can have a negative impact on our health.

We can also work on utilizing sweeteners and preservatives other than sugar. These days, thanks to the progress made by food scientists, we have access to a wide range of both natural and artificial sweeteners that give us the same great taste and culinary function of sugar – but without the high calories and high glycemic index.

Other Variables to Consider

Of course, it’s hard to blame sugar exclusively for the obesity epidemic. We also have to consider:

Total calorie consumption. High-calorie diets, regardless of the specific foods eaten, will lead to obesity. Big portion sizes and mindless snacking are partially to blame for the epidemic.
Trans fatty acids (TFAs). Some experts have pointed the finger at TFAs, fatty compounds that are prevalent in fast foods and fried foods.
Sedentary lifestyle. We also need to consider the lack of physical exercise the average person gets on an average day. With desk jobs and minimal time in recreational activities, we burn fewer calories.

Sugar isn’t the only factor responsible for the high rates of obesity in the developed world, but it’s definitely a contributor. Collectively, we need to take the impact of sugar seriously and work to lessen its impact on our weight and health.

Health

How Telehealth Works for Addicts in Recovery

Published

16 hours ago

March 6, 2025

Michelle Langton

Technology has been shaping healthcare for decades, and these days, tech advancements for the health sector are happening faster than ever before. Telehealth has emerged as one advancement that has touched every healthcare discipline, from cancer care to pediatrics. The innovative approach of telehealth is breaking down barriers to care and even reaching those who are struggling with substance abuse.

By leveraging digital platforms, recovery specialists can offer better access to therapy sessions, support groups, and medical consultations. These breakthroughs in accessibility are significant for people in healthcare deserts who are languishing under increased addiction rates and a lack of reliable treatment options.

Nick Padlo, founder and CEO of Sophros Recovery in Florida, has seen the benefit of telehealth for recovering addicts firsthand. “Individuals struggling with addiction can now find support and guidance if they do not have access to a treatment center near their home,” he explains. “These virtual programs are designed to provide comprehensive care, similar to traditional in-person treatment, but with the added convenience of digital accessibility.”

Here, we explore the benefits of telehealth for recovery and how clinicians and other professionals in the field can best utilize it for better outcomes.

An increased need for comprehensive recovery

The United States saw over 107,000 overdose deaths in 2023. This was a notable increase from previous numbers. The emergence of fentanyl as the drug of choice for many and the perpetuation of alcohol and other drug abuses have made access to comprehensive recovery even more important than ever.

“Understanding the options available can be the first step to recovery,” says Padlo. When people have easier access to help, they may be more apt to seek sobriety.

The pandemic saw a marked increase in substance abuse, laying bare the need for digital access to recovery resources. During the COVID shutdown, the crucial need for an alternative to in-person treatment was evident, and the benefits of such treatment options allowed clinicians and other professionals to carry this digital access to recovery care through the pandemic and into the post-COVID world.

In addition, those living in rural areas or areas with a lack of access to comprehensive recovery care often have needs on par with those in larger urban areas. Telehealth allows people to access the same professionals that those in big cities rely upon.

Studies have shown that continuity of care is critical to the success of addiction recovery. Telehealth can facilitate ongoing engagement with those in recovery, securing continuity of care and leading to better recovery outcomes.

A modern approach

“Online addiction recovery typically involves a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, educational sessions, and support groups, all conducted via video conferencing or other online tools,” explains Padlo. The flexibility of these programs allows participants to schedule them around their availability and considering their other commitments.

“We aim to mirror the effectiveness of traditional methods,” says Padlo. “We are providing the same level of care and support through a virtual format.”

Padlo stresses that online recovery can also reduce stigmas that are associated with seeking help for one’s addictions. When those in recovery can participate from the comfort of their own home, they may be more apt to commit to the recovery process.

People will need to consider their personal circumstances when determining if telehealth for addiction recovery is right for them. They may want to evaluate how comfortable they are with technology and whether they have a stable internet connection. Also, it helps to have a strong support system to keep one accountable since it can sometimes be easier to ignore digital meeting commitments.

However, Padlo cautions that those with severe addiction issues or co-occurring addictions may fare better with in-person detox and recovery.

Telehealth can be a powerful tool in the fight against addiction. The option offers a range of benefits, including easier access, privacy, and even savings for some. According to a recent study by the Oregon Health and Science University, telehealth may be just the solution to overcoming the stigma of rehab and recovery and radically reducing barriers for people who need it the most.

While telehealth for addiction recovery may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, and some people may require more intensive care and medical intervention, it has broken barriers for those in areas of limited access to recovery or seeking an option that offers more privacy.

As the field of virtual health delivery continues to evolve, the benefits of telehealth for addiction recovery will become clear. Telehealth provides comprehensive, discrete, and effective care for those starting or continuing their recovery journey.