HQ Team
October 20, 2023: A new research paper suggests that fructose, a type of sugar, maybe a significant driver of obesity. While not the primary source of calories, fructose is believed to trigger cravings for fattier foods in larger quantities, leading to overindulgence.
A novel approach to weight loss
Richard Johnson at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, suggests that contrary to the common dilemma of choosing between reducing carbohydrate or fat intake, a more effective approach to weight loss may involve responsibly reducing both carbs and fats simultaneously.
Unfortunately, the presence of substantial amounts of fructose in our diets can make this task more challenging.
“Fructose survival hypothesis”
The paper notes that various hypotheses for combating obesity have been proposed, such as reducing sugar, high glycemic carbohydrates, fats, polyunsaturated fats, or increasing protein intake. The researchers acknowledge the validity of these different approaches but propose a unifying hypothesis known as the “fructose survival hypothesis.”
“Although practically all hypotheses recognize the importance of reducing ultra-processed and ‘junk’ foods, it remains unclear whether the focus should be on reducing sugar intake, or high glycemic carbohydrates, or fats, or polyunsaturated fats or simply increasing protein intake,” the researchers write in their paper.
Fructose, a naturally occurring sugar in fruit and a byproduct of carbohydrate metabolism plays a central role in this theory. While fructose found in whole fruits, along with their vitamins and fiber, is not problematic, the added fructose in sweeteners like table sugar and high fructose corn syrup can accumulate in our diets, leading to unintended consequences.
Fructose’s impact on metabolism
Johnson and his team conducted an extensive study of the factors contributing to obesity. Their research reveals that the metabolism of fructose in the body leads to a decrease in adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a vital compound providing energy for cellular processes.
A drop in ATP levels signals the body to seek more energy, resulting in increased hunger and food consumption. This phenomenon forms the core of the fructose survival hypothesis, aligning various theories on obesity’s root causes.
Fructose and appetite control
Fructose-induced low ATP levels trigger the body’s appetite, making individuals feel hungry, even when there are sufficient energy reserves available. This mechanism remains active, preventing the body from tapping into its fat stores for energy.
This mechanism serves animals such as bears preparing for hibernation; in humans, the consumption of sugary foods and drinks can lead to unhealthy excess.
“Essentially, these theories, which put a litany of metabolic and dietary drivers at the center of the obesity epidemic, are all pieces of a puzzle unified by one last piece: fructose,” says Johnson. “Fructose is what triggers our metabolism to go into low power mode and lose our control of appetite, but fatty foods become the major source of calories that drive weight gain.”
Evolutionary mechanism turned health crisis
The researchers suggest that this mechanism evolved to assist animals in storing fat in anticipation of food shortages. In the short term, it is beneficial for survival, but with chronic engagement, it contributes to modern diseases and health problems.
Fructose acts as the trigger, initiating the metabolic changes, while fatty foods become the primary source of calories that drive weight gain.
It’s important to note that much of the research into how fructose affects metabolism is based on animal studies. More research is needed to fully understand the exact workings of fructose in human metabolism.
Despite the ongoing research, these findings mark a significant step toward resolving the escalating obesity crisis and offer new insights into the role of fructose in this global health challenge. While more research is necessary, the impact of fructose on metabolism and appetite control offers a compelling explanation for this worldwide health crisis.
