New research highlights the lasting impact of high added sugar consumption during teenage years, increasing the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic issues into adulthood. Experts warn that hidden sugars in processed foods can undermine health, urging moderation and label vigilance.
Eating too much added sugar in the teenage years may have consequences that last well into adulthood, with research linking higher intake to less favourable cholesterol and triglyceride levels later in life. The American Heart Association says children and adolescents who consume large amounts of added sugars are more likely to develop cardiovascular risk factors, while studies in Circulation and the Journal of Adolescent Health have found associations with lower HDL, the so-called “good” cholesterol, and higher triglycerides.
That risk can be greater among teenagers who are already overweight or obese. Research summarised by the National Institutes of Health found that higher added sugar intake in US adolescents was also associated with greater insulin resistance, a metabolic sign that often comes before diabetes.
Nutrition expert Adoración Rodríguez García says one of the biggest problems is that sugar is often hidden in foods people do not think of as sweet. She points to barbecue sauce and ketchup as examples, saying they can contain more sugar by weight than vanilla ice cream, while flavoured yoghurts and bottled juices may also carry surprisingly high amounts. Her warning echoes broader public-health advice that much of the added sugar in diets comes from processed products rather than obvious desserts.
Experts recommend checking labels carefully, including on savoury products, because sugar can appear under many different names. Rodríguez García argues that the goal is not to ban sugar altogether but to use it in moderation, a position that aligns with the American Heart Association’s advice to limit added sugars in children and adolescents.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
