QandA Can Fructose Affect My Weight?
Obesity expert Louis J. Aronne, M.D., talks about the relationship of fructose, a type of sugar, to weight gain.
Q: What exactly is fructose?
A: Fructose is a type of sugar found in foods such as fruit. It is also added to sodas, juice blends, salad dressings, pasta sauce, and other foods, primarily in the form of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). HFCS is about half fructose and half glucose (another type of sugar).
Q: How does fructose promote weight gain?
A: Unlike glucose, fructose may increase appetite. And research indicates that when it’s eaten before or with fat, that fat is more likely to be stored than burned. Consuming HFCS appears to cause resistance to leptin, a hormone that tells you brain how much fat is stored and signals the feelings of fullness. The problem is Americans are consuming more of such sugars, especially in sweetened beverages.
Q: Is white table sugar better for you than fructose-based sweeteners?
A: No. Like HFCS, table sugar is about half fructose and half glucose. Some studies have found it has similar effects on the body.
Q: How can you limit your intake of fructose?
A: If you drink soda or juice, have only an 8-ounce glass with ice in it. And limit intake of foods that have &ldquo high fructose corn syrup&rdquo on the label.