The Impact of Sugar Consumption on Health

A new study explores the long-term health effects of consuming sugar. The study utilizes the UK food rationing program during World War II as a natural experiment to understand the causal relationship between sugar intake and health outcomes. Researchers compared individuals born during rationing with those born afterward, analyzing data from the English longitudinal survey of aging. The findings revealed that individuals exposed to more sugar during their early years had a higher prevalence of diabetes, elevated rates of cholesterol and arthritis, and increased levels of chronic inflammation. Furthermore, they were less likely to complete post-secondary education and less likely to work in skilled professions or achieve above-average wealth later in life.