Annotated Bibliography

Alshehri 1

Abdulrahman Alshehri

Jennifer Wilson

ENGL-1020

30 Oct. 2022

Sugar is a Deadly Villain to Obesity

Malik, Vasanti S. "Non-Sugar Sweeteners and Health." BMJ, vol. 364, 2018. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/26956459. Accessed 27 Oct. 2022.

In this article, Malik points out the existing literature gap on the relationship between sugar and obesity. With this confusion, the public prefers non-sugar sweeteners (NSS). However, this article argues that NSS has little impact on BMI. While comparing with the people taking regular sugar, the BMI change between the two groups showed little margin. The previous studies had methodological limitations by including a small sample size which is complex to generalize the issue. Cohort studies have shown controversial results on the impact of sugar on long-term weight gain. Malik affirms that the participant registered 0.47 kg weight loss in 4 months by substituting one serving of sugar daily. This article did not present the effects of change in the dose and response.

This article provides vital information that helps in proving my argument. While sugar has a controversial effect on weight, this study has indicated that replacement with NSS can register a slight change. It has also provided evidence on possible dose-effect response, which is not enough to conclude about the interaction of these variables.

Gostin, Lawrence O. "At Law: Tackling Obesity and Disease: The Culprit Is Sugar; the Response Is Legal Regulation." The Hastings Center Report, vol. 48, no. 1, 2018, pp. 5–7. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/26628209. Accessed 27 Oct. 2022.

In policy and advocacy, lawmakers need to understand the crucial relationship between sugar and obesity. This article firmly concluded that sugar is a culprit that mainly links to obesity. In addition, Gostin affirmed that sugar causes obesity in a consequential pathway. However, this study suggested that sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) significantly impact this pathway. However, the manufacturing companies have produced misleading information, which diverts the attention from addressing the root cause of the issue. The article affirmed that in every 12-ounce increase in intake of SSBs, an individual increase their risk of obesity by 60%. Managing this issue is a bit complex in the current environment, which advertises these beverages more than healthy alternatives. This article reported that companies spend $863 million advertising these products.

This article is essential in under sting the burden of obesity at a national level. It also presents insightful ideas on the factors hindering successful policy implementations. These trends have led to increased consumption of SSBs which double the odds of obesity in the country. It is also vital in understanding the dose-effect relationship. Gostin argues that every 12 ounces of SSBs contain 65 of added sugar which increases the risks of obesity.

Toews, Ingrid, et al. "Association between Intake of Non-Sugar Sweeteners and Health Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Randomised and Non-Randomized Controlled Trials and Observational Studies." BMJ, vol. 364, 2018. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/26956441. Accessed 27 Oct. 2022.

With the evidence that SSBs have higher odds o obesity, the public has drastically shifted to NSS without scientific support. Similarly, this article indicated that NSS has little to no effect on BMI. These effects happen regardless of the dose. Obese and overweight individuals register the lowest response to using these products. In a systematic analysis, Toews concluded that no significant difference was observed between the exposed and unexposed groups. However, the previous studies incorporated shorter duration observation which was not enough to support the relationship between these concepts.

In a move to address change, this study will help me explore alternative ways of understanding the sugar-obesity crisis. Suggestively, using NSS is not the best option for addressing the burden of obesity. This information is valid since other studies have demonstrated that NSS has minimal impact on BMI changes.

Feinmann, Jane. "Low Calorie and Low Carb Diets for Weight Loss in Primary Care." BMJ, vol. 360, 2018. JSTOR, 1 https://www.jstor.org/stable/26960087. Accessed 27 Oct. 2022.

Calorie and carbs values in sugars are the primary influencers of developing obesity. Feinmann explored the effects of the number of calories and weight loss. Accordingly, the article noted mixed concepts on the number of carbs and calories desirable for a healthy weight. Feinmann argued that carbs less than 130g per day is desirable in meeting the body's energy needs without increasing the risks of obesity. However, this low-carb diet does not support the keto diet among other diet plans, which deprives an individual of calories. This article suggested that a minimum of 853 kcals is desirable for a healthy weight in caloric content. Affirmatively, limited evidence supports a low-carb caloric diet in weight management.

This information is pertinent in exploring the conceptual relationship between carbs and calories in obesity. Notably, the article helps establish the argument that obesity strongly occurs due to sugar-triggered metabolic imbalance. Among other dietary components, sugar has a diet impact on influencing energy balance, which suggests that it is crucial in influencing weight management.

Prinz, Philip. "The role of dietary sugars in health: molecular composition or calories."  European journal of clinical nutrition vol. 73,9 (2019): 1216-1223. doi:10.1038/s41430-019-0407-z

Previous research has demonstrated little information on molecular aspects of sugar and weight gain. In this article, Prinz explored how molecular variations in fructose and sucrose possess a selective trigger and balance in weight. The study indicated that SSBs have double the odds of causing obesity due to sugar components. An intervention study explored the variation of BMI between the participants on sucrose and fructose. The study indicated that sucrose and fructose in significant amounts cause more weight gain. Although the group exhibited similar effects, those on fructose intervention registered more visceral adiposity.

The study is vital in understanding the molecular aspects of sugar that increase the risks of obesity. Increased visceral adiposity among fructose consumers supports that this element relates to increased weight. SSBs include more fructose content which suggests its impact on weight. However, this study does not under the question of a dose-response relationship.

Taubes, Gary. "What If Sugar Is Worse than Just Empty Calories? An Essay by Gary Taubes." BMJ, vol. 360, 2018. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/26957762. Accessed 27 Oct. 2022.

Taubes argues that governments must implement more cost-effective strategies beyond discouraging the public by imposing a tax. These strategies are limited since it only affects the price-sensitive population. The article affirms that this behavior is not a new phenomenon that requires robust change. The public still has misconceptions about obesity causation. Some believe that too much sugar comes from consuming too much food. Although balance and adequacy are essential, the public needs to understand the foods which pose more significant risks to obesity. Affirmatively, Taubes reports that high-fructose syrup is the primary cause of obesity. These sugars trigger a deleterious effect causing increased hepatic fat accumulation.

Previous evidence has failed to account for the mechanism of sugar and obesity causation. This article expands my understanding of the deleterious effects caused by these components. It also helps in shaping the argument about sugar avoidance. The issue of sugar avoidance is complex and only requires understanding desirable consumption thresholds.

Baltz, Courtney. "TaxRx: Ultra-Processed Foods, Added Sugar, and the Social Cost of Obesity." Food and Drug Law Journal, vol. 75, no. 4, 2020, pp. 596–632. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/27007750. Accessed 27 Oct. 2022.

Coherent to previous research, Baltz affirmed that ultra-processed foods directly cause obesity. These food components have elevated levels of added sugar which triggers energy imbalance. This article also points out the weaknesses of the existing policy interventions. For instance, taxing added sugar fails to address the issue of public craving. The government needs to control consumption by imposing laws that restrict access. These policies need to inform a sustainable change in food industries that regulate supply and demand forces.

This article is vital in exploring gaps in regulation and policies that increase the prevalence of obesity in the community. The government has laxed policies and enforcement of health laws, creating more room for consumer health exploitations through misleading information. The stakeholders need to address this issue from the grassroots, which helps in holistic response and managing obesity in the community.

Choo, Vivian L., et al. "Food Sources of Fructose-Containing Sugars and Glycaemic Control: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Controlled Intervention Studies." BMJ, vol. 363, 2018. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/26964086. Accessed 27 Oct. 2022.

Choo et al. explored how different food choices affect glycemic control. This systematic review indicated that glycemic control regulates the sugar and fat deposition in adipose tissue. Different foot choices influence glycemic control differently. This information helps in choosing healthy food choices, which stabilizes sugar-fat control. Contrary to the previous evidence, Choo et al. affirmed that total fructose foods had little influence on glycemic index and weight. However, sources such as SSBs had harmful effects on the glycemic index. However, this systematic review recommended more RCT to explore the relationship between these sugars. Glycemic control, weight, and diabetes.

This article provides fundamental research on the relationship between sugar and health. It supports the argument that sugar is the primary factor that increases the odds of diabetes. However, this review affirmed that fructose had little impact on glycemic index and weight. However, this incoherent evidence requires more evidence to support the quality of life from dietary sugars.

Lean, Michael E. J., et al. "Making Progress on the Global Crisis of Obesity and Weight Management." BMJ, vol. 361, 2018. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/26961099. Accessed 27 Oct. 2022.

Lean et al. expounded that obesity causation is a complex process. The article affirmed that sugar alone is limiting in the causation of obesity. Other factors jointly interact. This evidence explains why different on the same diet gain weight and different thresholds. The article emphasizes obesity and the imbalance of energy intake versus expenditure. Also, different food has different thermogenic. So, weight gain is a complex paradox incorporating environmental, cultural—social, and physical factors.

This article helps in understanding other factors surrounding sugar and obesity. This knowledge widens the scope of this argument depends on the complex nature of obesity causation. It also helps in understanding the mechanism of weight gain. The article indicated that people consuming 100kcals daily more than their body needs could gain up to 5kg in a year. This rate translates to 40 kgs in 20 to 30 years. So, the slow progression of obesity can limit understanding of the causes.

Chaloupka, Frank J., et al. "Sugar-sweetened beverages and obesity prevention: policy recommendations." Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, vol. 30, no. 3, 2011, pp. 662–64. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/23018971. Accessed 27 Oct. 2022.

This article agrees with the previous research on the relationship between sugars and weight. Tax is an essential strategy in curbing the issue, yet it is limiting. Obesity prevention requires a more targeted measure. For instance, the article suggests alternative policies, such as restricting the operation and accessibility of vending machines. It is also vital to impose measures such as minimizing access to SSBs among the young population. These targeted strategies help in addressing the issue from the root.

The article helps in exploring viable interventions that help in addressing the issue. As the burden of obesity and sugar consumption increases, a long-lasting solution requires more than tax restrictions. The government must institute feasible policies that minimize sugar access, distribution, and consumption.