Sugar Is Not The Only Villain In The National Obesity Problem

Although the sugar consumed by Americans in soft drinks and processed foods contributes to the obesity epidemic, it is not the only culprit. In fact, the increase in the daily calorie intake over the last five decades is tied to other factors. More than half of the added calories over the years have come from fats and oils, and from flour and cereal. Other factors contributing to the obesity problem: demographic changes (i.e., fewer home-cooked meals, more dining out); increased portion sizes at restaurants; increased caloric content of bagels, muffins, premium cups of coffee, yogurt, etc.; and even evolution, “which has programmed us to store calories when food is plentiful and, when food is scarce, to reduce calories we expend.”