Is fructose being blamed for the obesity epidemic when the real problem is…too many calories?

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.stmichaelshospital.com/media/detail.php?source=hospital_news/2012/20120221_hn

[font face=Times, Times New Roman, Serif][font size=5]Is fructose being blamed for the obesity epidemic when the real problem is we just ingest too many calories? [/font]

By Leslie Shepherd

[font size=3]TORONTO, Ont., Feb. 21, 2012-- Is fructose being unfairly blamed for the obesity epidemic? Or do we just eat and drink too many calories?

Researchers from St. Michael’s Hospital reviewed more than 40 published studies on whether the fructose molecule itself causes weight gain.

In 31 “isocaloric” trials they reviewed, participants ate a similar number of calories, but one group ate pure fructose and the other ate non-fructose carbohydrates. The fructose group did not gain weight.

In 10 “hypercaloric” trials, one group consumed their usual diet and the other added excess calories in the form of pure fructose to their usual diet or a control diet. Those who consumed the extra calories as fructose did gain weight.

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http://www.annals.org/content/156/4/291.abstract

[enough]

1. My mother the chemist explained to me over and over that it's about

calories in and calories expended.

She was a difficult piece of work, rest her soul, but often right.

[Ron Obvious]

2. One doesn't exclude the other, does it?

Too many calories, especially in the form of Fructose in liquid form are very likely a factor since it's so easy to ingest them without feeling full. I'm sure physics tells me that a calorie is a calorie, but the amount of sugar we take aboard these days is through the roof. What used to a be large Coke a decade or two ago is now a small or regular Coke, and a large Coke appears to be served in a bucket.

Additionally, it appears sugary sodas not only do not fill you up, but actually triggers your brain to eat more. I think fast food chains know this -- hence the larger sizes and the availability of free refills.

[handmade34]

3. I have posted much about this...

I will not get scientific here... just tell my story...

I believe in calories in/calories out; I was a subject in a study years ago and it was pretty conclusive that the theory of calories in/calories out is fairly accurate... but it is more complicated than that.

Our bodies react negatively to processed food (especially processed sugar)

I struggled for 50+ years with cravings, negative reactions to missing meals and headaches.

Approx 3 months ago I consciously eliminated all sugars (except those naturally present in fruits and vegetables)... it was very difficult at first. After the initial few weeks, I lost all cravings and all negatives reactions to food I eat or don't eat. When I get hungry, I eat... just not any processed food. I have lost almost 20 lbs and feel great!!

The damage done by sugars (especially HFCS) is how our bodies react to it and often cause us to eat more and/or crave more... (additionally abnormal insulin production)

[BlueIris]

4. As I've posted here before, I am so glad I decided to cut out HFCS.

I also started limiting all non-fruit sugars and most refined sugars in 2007 and it has really improved things. Mostly my mood, but I was also able to start making room for more nutritious foods, and to have a healthier appetite. I don't miss it at all.

[tinrobot]

5. Too much fructose is too many calories.

I see the two as being linked.

We consume more calories because we consume more food containing fructose than we used to consume.

[laconicsax]

6. Short answer: Yes

Of course, the results of this study don't promote the irrational fear of a naturally occurring sugar that's been part of the human diet forever, so you can expect the usual scientifically illiterate denials and red herrings about HCFS.