How hidden sugars in everyday foods contribute to rising obesity in Poland? Learn about their impact on health and the need for systemic solutions to reduce sugar dependency.
The average Pole consumes 45 kilograms of sugar annually—125 grams per day, roughly the amount in a sugar bowl. This surge in sugar intake, particularly simple sugars from processed foods, is fueling an obesity epidemic, warns Prof. Paweł Bogdański, an obesity treatment expert. While unprocessed sugar consumption has decreased by 6 kg over the past decade, hidden sugars in foods have surged by 12 kg per person. These sugars are often masked in everyday items like ketchup, breakfast cereals, and flavored water, making it challenging for consumers to recognize their intake. Such practices, aimed at enhancing food’s taste and appeal, have long-term implications for public health.
Sugar’s Impact on Health and Addiction
Excessive sugar consumption not only leads to weight gain but also triggers the brain’s reward system, akin to addiction. Stress, fatigue, and overstimulation in modern life drive people to sugary products for a quick mood boost. The food industry exploits this by adding sugars in various forms—like glucose, fructose, and syrups—encouraging dependency and unhealthy eating habits. Prof. Bogdański stresses that systemic measures are essential to curb this trend, as sugar overconsumption significantly affects physical health, increasing risks of metabolic disorders and chronic diseases.