Separating food and health facts from fiction

When it comes to achieving the universal goal of everyone consuming a healthier diet, it’s unfortunately common to see proposals for one-size-fits-all approaches, despite a lack of evidence to indicate they will achieve the goals of reducing obesity and improving health. In fact, evidence indicates that popular proposals – for example, front-of-pack warning labels - haven’t made any dent at all in obesity.

Chile has put black stop sign warning labels on many foods since 2016 and imposed other restrictions on labeled foods – taxes, limits on use of logos and images, and marketing bans. Yet, The Examination reported in March 2024 that Chilean government data show that child obesity rates actually increased from 16% in 2009 to more than 26% in 2022. Studies have found that the law caused Chileans to reduce calorie intake by an amount equal to about one and a half baby carrots per day (6.4 calories).

Nevertheless, news reports typically make Chile’s labeling law sound like a huge success, and governments around the world have followed a similar labeling model. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, from whom we should all expect evidence-based regulations, is set to announce front-of-pack labeling as soon as next month.

I can’t help but wonder why so many people keep doubling down on the presumption that these approaches work, when evidence so clearly shows that presumption does not match reality. Unfortunately, I think misconceptions about sugar and its place in balanced diets play a significant role. Too often, policies like front-of-pack labeling assume that singling out added sugars will be a magic solution, without taking into account actual evidence.

That’s why the Sugar Association is so committed to efforts to provide facts that might help unstick this stalled conversation. Our consumer polling has found that 81% of Americans feel it is important to know the intake guidelines for added sugars, but just 15% can accurately state the guideline. Once informed about the Dietary Guidelines recommendation, which is equal to 50 grams or 12.5 teaspoons of sugar per day in a 2000-calorie diet, Americans feel more confident in managing their sugar intake.

Our investments in communicating about the role of sugar in foods and in balanced diets have reached more than 42 million people nationwide this year, through ad buys across major digital and social media platforms. Our materials invite consumers to learn more about managing sugar intake, and an accompanying toolkit is designed specifically for registered dietitians.

I was reminded about the consequences of misconceptions about sugar again last month when one planned partner organization declined to share our resources, despite them having been developed in coordination with and reviewed by registered dietitians (RDs). We respect the organization’s decision but noted our confidence the materials are scientifically accurate, consistent with the DGA, and all the more important when dietary perceptions tend toward extremes.

As I have said over and over again, added sugars consumption has decreased in the United States by 30% since its peak in 1999, while childhood obesity has increased by 44%. Reduced or no sugar foods are not necessarily lower in calories and usually contain artificial sweeteners that most consumers prefer to avoid.

We need to put myths and assumptions aside and find real evidence-based solutions that help people build and maintain balanced diets and healthy lifestyles. It’s time to focus on facts and evidence –? not hunches and feeling – about how we can build a healthier future.