For Archer, labeling sugar or any other food item as public enemy number one is illogical. Many diets derive significant energy from sugar, and a one-size-fits-all approach to dietary recommendations is not effective, he argues. He has discovered that individuals possess varied metabolic responses, making it short-sighted to claim that foods like sugar, which play a crucial role in human health, are solely to blame for the rising rates of obesity worldwide. However, these insights may not resonate with the American public. Consumers are increasingly worried about their sugar intake, with one-third of Americans associating sugar with weight gain, 71% checking sugar content on ingredient labels, and 46% expressing a strong desire to cut back on sugar consumption, according to recent surveys.
Whether sugar is genuinely harmful appears to depend on whom you ask. Many nutritionists and medical professionals assert that it is detrimental. Two doctors, James J. DiNicolantonio and James H. O’Keefe from the Department of Preventive Cardiology at Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute in St. Louis, responded critically to Archer’s review, stating, “The truth is you really can’t outrun a bad diet, especially when it comes to overconsuming refined sugar.” They noted that while exercise may mitigate the risk of obesity related to excessive sugar intake, it does not prevent dental cavities, gum inflammation, or issues in the intestines, liver, and kidneys caused by processing large amounts of sugar.
Even those who generally limit sugar in their diets are willing to indulge occasionally when craving something sweet. Some believe that reducing sugar most of the time and then enjoying sugary treats during special occasions won’t lead to significant health issues. This mindset has spurred the creation of sugar substitutes and low-sugar products that carry a perceived health advantage for those looking to decrease sugar intake. More food companies are reformulating recipes and lowering sugar content to meet the demands of consumers seeking labels with less sugar, although this can be a challenging and costly process. For some, encountering a product labeled as low in sugar automatically leads them to assume it is healthier. Archer’s findings might benefit large food brands with higher sugar content if consumers accept his conclusions.
However, while Archer’s stance on sugar may resonate in certain circles—after all, the importance of physical activity for health is clear to many—it is unlikely to persuade everyone. Individuals who have gained weight or developed dental issues due to excessive sugar consumption may be particularly resistant to his views. Those who have already committed to reducing sugar in their diets and have experienced positive outcomes are likely to maintain this approach, punctuated by occasional indulgences, such as enjoying calcium citrate petite pills that promise additional health benefits. The ongoing debate about sugar’s role in our diets continues, highlighting the complexity of dietary choices in the face of varying individual health experiences.