# My obesity: Finally an answer that makes sense! **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 27, 2015, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865 "2015-10-27T12:29:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865/121 "2015-11-05T17:17:53Z")
> [@up\_the\_junction](#): > > That’s all you need to know. Be aware of a daily limit of sugar on labelled products. I should have written: Sugars are one important part of the equation All calories may not be equal, but eating a whole lot of any type of calories can still be very bad. Do you still agree? Or do you only care about added sugars to the exclusion of everything else? ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865/122 "2015-11-05T17:36:39Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > I just read on the label on my carton of milk that 1 cup contains 14g of sugar. Do I count this sugar? I read it off of a label. I have no idea, that’s outrageous. What the hell was that cow into … it’s way off the scale - is it flavoured or something? This is how it is in the UK for different types of regular milk - there iss a particular thing with milk in that the sugar is lactose , which is natural but it’s in sufficient quantities to me meaningful on a label. Some of these are diff sizes: > **[Which milk is healthiest?](https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/health/special-diets/which-milk-right-you)** > > More people are exploring alternative substitutes to cow's milk. Nutritionist Kerry Torrens takes a look at the most popular options – and our cookery team puts them to the test in the Good Food kitchen ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865/123 "2015-11-05T17:40:51Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > I should have written: > > Sugars are one important part of the equation > > All calories may not be equal, but eating a whole lot of any type of calories can still be very bad. > > Do you still agree? Or do you only care about added sugars to the exclusion of everything else? I care about a lot but this thread is about sugar. I guess you’re talking now about the ‘balanced diet’ thing or ‘everything in moderation’, which of course is common sense. I don’t know what to say it’s pretty straight forward: stick to your 2500 a day, and within that try to keep under or around 32g of labelled sugar: BOOM! ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865/124 "2015-11-05T17:45:28Z")
> [@up\_the\_junction](#): > > I don’t know what to say it’s pretty straight forward: stick to your 2500 a day, and within that try to keep under or around 32g of labelled sugar: BOOM! Based on the studies, I’d say that’s one good way to control your weight, but not the only way nor always the best way. If it works for you, fantastic. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865/125 "2015-11-05T17:50:56Z")
Re manson’s question: Per the expert guidelines (American Heart Association, WHO, proposed guidelines in comment period at the FDA, etc.), not for the sugars that occur naturally in the milk, but yes to any that have been added. So if the only ingredient is milk, no, if there is a sweetener on the ingredient list then some of it counts and either you can try to calculate it or just pick a milk without added sugars. To be clear, the [negative impacts](http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1819573) of added sugar go way beyond increased obesity risk alone and may increase the health risks of each level of obesity. > [@JAMA](#): > > Most adults consumed more than 10% of their total calories from added sugar, and approximately 10% of adults consumed 25% or more of calories from added sugar in 2005-2010. Compared with those who consumed approximately 8.0% of calories from added sugar, participants who consumed approximately 17% to 21% (Q4) of calories from added sugar had a 38% higher risk of CVD mortality. This relative risk was more than double for those who consumed 21% or more (highest quintile) of calories from added sugar. > > Major sources of added sugar in American adults’ diet included sugar-sweetened beverages (37.1%), grain-based desserts (13.7%), fruit drinks (8.9%), dairy desserts (6.1%), and candy (5.8%).45 One 360-mL can of regular soda contains about 35 g of sugar (140 calories) or 7% of total calories (based on 2000 kcal/d). … > > … The biological mechanisms underlying the association between added sugar intake and CVD risk are not completely understood. Emerging evidence supports the hypothesis that excessive intake of added sugar might play a role through multiple pathways.14 Animal studies48 have suggested that high intake of refined sugars, independent of weight gain, was associated with the development of hypertension. A recent observational study20 suggested that excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and sugar was independently associated with increased blood pressure. Excessive intake of sugar was also associated with increased de novo lipogenesis in the liver, hepatic triglyceride synthesis, and increased triglyceride levels, a known risk factor for CVD.5,49 In one study,18 regular intake of added sugar was significantly associated with increased triglyceride levels and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Another proposed pathway of the relationship between excessive sugar intake and increased CVD risk is its association with inflammation markers, which are key factors in the pathogenesis of CVD.14,50,51 Several recent studies52,53 have indicated an association between higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and inflammatory markers. In addition, a recent study12 suggested a significant interaction between genetic factors and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in relation to BMI, in which higher consumption was associated with increased genetic effects of obesity. … ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865/126 "2015-11-05T17:52:46Z")
> [@up\_the\_junction](#): > > I have no idea, that’s outrageous. What the hell was that cow into … it’s way off the scale - is it flavoured or something? > > This is how it is in the UK for different types of regular milk - there iss a particular thing with milk in that the sugar is lactose , which is natural but it’s in sufficient quantities to me meaningful on a label. Some of these are diff sizes: > > [Which milk is healthiest? | Good Food](http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/which-milk-right-you) That site says regular cow’s milk has around 5g of sugar per 100ml, which is half a cup. So one cup would be 10g of sugar. My question still stands, it is on a label, do I count that as part of my 32g of sugar or not? ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865/127 "2015-11-05T17:55:54Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > Re manson’s question: > > Per the expert guidelines (American Heart Association, WHO, proposed guidelines in comment period at the FDA, etc.), not for the sugars that occur naturally in the milk, but yes to any that have been added. So if the only ingredient is milk, no, if there is a sweetener on the ingredient list then some of it counts and either you can try to calculate it or just pick a milk without added sugars. That sounds complicated. The OP said to simply count the amount of sugar that is on the labels of the foods I eat and try to keep the total under 32g. ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865/128 "2015-11-05T18:09:35Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > That site says regular cow’s milk has around 5g of sugar per 100ml, which is half a cup. So one cup would be 10g of sugar. > > My question still stands, it is on a label, do I count that as part of my 32g of sugar or not? I feel like I got to do some thing like ‘i am not a doctor’ or something, and ask if your lactose intolerant, etc Milk is a little different because (a) unlike grapes, you can drink the stuff in pretty decent volumes and (b) the natural sugar you’re talking about in milk is lactose. Do you count it? Yes and no 😃 Personally, I’d count it because you can knock up proper volume but maybe cut in half what you count because it is after all natural. etc, etc about not being your doctor … ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865/129 "2015-11-05T18:10:44Z")
And that may work fine for the op. It will likely go lower than the 10% as natural sugars will sometimes be counted too … but that is certainly okay. Or the op will actually cook and eat real food more often. Not sure though what is complicated about picking a milk that only contains milk … but sure if that is too hard for you then don’t do it. ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865/130 "2015-11-05T18:15:07Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > Based on the studies, I’d say that’s one good way to control your weight, but not the only way nor always the best way. If it works for you, fantastic. You’re right to say it’s about control because thats the thing; it’s a really key piece of information that just isn’t out there well enough. With it, I do feel in control - I’m finally comfortable about how my weight has been happening. Knowedge is power, right? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865/131 "2015-11-05T18:16:24Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > And that may work fine for the op. It will likely go lower than the 10% as natural sugars will sometimes be counted too … but that is certainly okay. Or the op will actually cook and eat real food more often. Def. I’m all about chicken and rice tonight 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865/132 "2015-11-05T18:19:49Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > And that may work fine for the op. It will likely go lower than the 10% as natural sugars will sometimes be counted too … but that is certainly okay. Or the op will actually cook and eat real food more often. > > Not sure though what is complicated about picking a milk that only contains milk … but sure if that is too hard for you then don’t do it. I don’t think regular milk exists that doesn’t have sugar in it. I am also having a small box of raisins that show on the label to have 20g of sugar in it. And I have a cup of coffee to which I added 1 tsp of sugar to (3 g). This, in addition to the 1/2 of milk I had (5g) gives me 28g of sugar, all read off of a label. NOW you are telling that I CAN’T simply read the labels, like the OP said? ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865/133 "2015-11-05T18:28:03Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > I don’t think regular milk exists that doesn’t have sugar in it. > > I am also having a small box of raisins that show on the label to have 20g of sugar in it. And I have a cup of coffee to which I added 1 tsp of sugar to (3 g). This, in addition to the 1/2 of milk I had (5g) gives me 28g of sugar, all read off of a label. NOW you are telling that I CAN’T simply read the labels, like the OP said? I didn’t know this it’s kind of cool: > [@](#): > > Raisins should be avoided because they have astronomically high sugar levels, and half of that sugar is fructose. The body can dispose of it safely in small amounts but larger amounts are harmful. > > Raisins have more sugar for their weight than candy bars: Almond Joy, Krakel, Reeses, Mounds, Twizzlers, or Mr. Goodbar. ---
**Author:** ![Wolf333](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolf333/32/3460_2.png) [@Wolf333](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wolf333)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865/134 "2015-11-05T18:56:02Z")
But it isn’t added sugar, so that should be okay, right? ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865/135 "2015-11-05T19:17:54Z")
I never thought of raisins as processed before. Natural sugar with processed food - who knew. Is that the only trap door or are there others to know about? ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865/136 "2015-11-05T19:43:57Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > I don’t think regular milk exists that doesn’t have sugar in it. > > I am also having a small box of raisins that show on the label to have 20g of sugar in it. And I have a cup of coffee to which I added 1 tsp of sugar to (3 g). This, in addition to the 1/2 of milk I had (5g) gives me 28g of sugar, all read off of a label. NOW you are telling that I CAN’T simply read the labels, like the OP said? > [@Wolf333](#): > > But it isn’t added sugar, so that should be okay, right? Yes. The expert guidance is for added sugar (and not even primarily as a weight control measure. Milk’s natural sugar is considered okay by those guidelines. OP is fine avoiding all listed sugar on a label but that is not what the expert guidance advises. Personally I am of the mindset that juice should be restricted too even those it is not “added sugar” but the guidelines do not go that far. Again, the way the op is doing it is a fine shortcut that would do a pretty good job of identifying foods to avoid and that would very likely guide him/her to a healthy mix of foods that aren high satiety and moderate palatability. But of course one can create a diet with no added sugar that causes weight gain and is unhelathy if one tries. It is not true that only added sugar matters. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865/137 "2015-11-05T19:47:27Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > Again, the way the op is doing it is a fine shortcut that would do a pretty good job of identifying foods to avoid and that would very likely guide him/her to a healthy mix of foods that aren high satiety and moderate palatability. But of course one can create a diet with no added sugar that causes weight gain and is unhelathy if one tries. It is not true that only added sugar matters. Perfect summary of my views on this. ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865/138 "2015-11-05T19:59:09Z")
> [@up\_the\_junction](#): > > I didn’t know this it’s kind of cool: You know that raisens are just dried grapes, right? which means that the only thing missing is the water portion. How can they be any worse than the same amount of grapes? ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865/139 "2015-11-05T19:59:10Z")
Well that is the plan. If there are other outliers like raisins them I’d like to hear about them Otherwise it looks like a very decent plan without getting obsessed and given how hard is to eat right. ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865/140 "2015-11-05T20:00:13Z")
> [@simster](#): > > You know that raisens are just dried grapes, right? which means that the only thing missing is the water portion. > > How can they be any worse than the same amount of grapes? I’m not Mr Google. Check it out feller and let us know. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-obesity-finally-an-answer-that-makes-sense/735865.md?page=8)