U. S. Food Consumption and Obesity, Part III: Sugar

U. S. Food Consumption and Obesity, Part III: Sugar

G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN

Volume 21, number 11, 5/19/03, page 58
Sugar – tables on how many pounds of sweeteners we are now using, including a comparison on how consumption has increased over the years.

Why are Americans so fat? The answer is complex ... and simple. The following statistics explain what we as a society are doing to ourselves; unfortunately, they do not explain why. (All data are direct or derived from a U.S. Department of Agriculture statistical bulletin,1 except where indicated.) These numbers are estimated from disappearance data, which are calculated as follows: production plus beginning plus total import, minus farm use, industrial use, exports and ending stock. Disappearance data does not include spoilage, spillage and waste, so the actual amounts consumed are less.

This month, we will look at the sugar statistics. In 1997, the average American consumed 53 teaspoons of added sugars daily! (Please see Tables 1-7.)

(1 tsp = 4 gms of added sugar = 16 calories.) * Includes table sugar; high-fructose corn syrup; fructose; glucose; and dextrose

(Note: The United States National Soft Drink Association Vice President of Scientific and Technical Affairs has stated, "A thorough review of scientific literature on the subject of obesity shows there is no association between sugar consumption and obesity."2)

Calorie level Sugar*	Recommendations (not to exceed)
1,600	6 teaspoons
2,000	10 teaspoons
2,200	12 teaspoons
2,800	18 teaspoons
Table 1: The USDA Food Pyramid Guide.

Agency	Parent organization	Recommendations
World Health Organization / United Nations	United Nations	No more than 10% of calories from added sugars
Food and Agriculture Association	United Nations	No more than 10% of calories from added sugars
Institute of Medicire	U.S. National Academy of Science	No more than 25% of calories from added sugars
Table 2: Sugar recommendations.2

Year	Sweeteners
1909	87.5
1970	122.3
1980	123.0
1990	137.0
1997	154.0
Table 3: Caloric sweeteners – pounds consumed per person per year.

References
1. Putnam JJ, Allshouse JE. Food Consumption, Prices, and Expenditures 1970-97.

2. Food and Rural Economics Division, 2.Economics Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture 1990; statistical bulletin no. 965.

3. Roth E. Experts urge limits on sugar intake. Orange County Register, March 3, 2003.