Fructose, a common sweetener found in table sugar and high fructose corn syrup, may be a major contributor to the obesity epidemic in America, according to researchers from the University of Colorado. The scientists believe that fructose lowers and blocks the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a compound that supplies energy to our cells. This decrease in metabolism leads to fewer calories being burned as energy, resulting in weight gain.
The study, published in the journal Obesity, found that fructose resets ATP to a lower level in cells and suppresses mitochondria, which generate energy for cells. Dr. Richard Johnson, a leading expert in obesity and diabetes at the University of Colorado, explains that fructose triggers the body’s metabolism to go into low power mode. This research supports the connection between two existing theories of obesity: the overconsumption of food, particularly fat, and the role of carbohydrates in weight gain.
Fructose slows metabolism and disrupts appetite control, making fatty foods the primary source of calories that drive weight gain. Dr. Johnson uses the example of bears preparing for hibernation, where fructose in fruit helps keep their energy levels low so they can store extra calories as fat. He argues that fructose is the driving force behind energy imbalance and links it to the development of obesity and diabetes.
The research offers a comprehensive explanation for how fructose plays a central role in the obesity epidemic. Dr. Johnson suggests that by studying our ancestors’ diets and observing hibernating animals, we can better understand how fructose affects us. The findings underscore the need for further investigation into the effects of fructose on human health.
As fructose is a common ingredient in many prepared products, such as ketchup, baked goods, and soft drinks, the study raises concerns about the potential health risks associated with consuming these products. Further research into the impact of fructose on metabolism and weight gain could potentially inform dietary guidelines and promote healthier eating habits.