Warmer Weather, Sweeter Choices: What Scientists Found
Temperature and sugar consumption are directly linked. For every degree rise between 12°C and 30°C, we tend to buy an average of 0.7 grams more sugar each day. This means that at 25°C, we consume about two teaspoons more sugar than we do at 12°C.
Why does this happen? In the heat, we sweat more and drink more. If our habit is to reach for something “cold and sweet,” the sugar content in our drinks rises unnoticed. Additionally, we often choose frozen desserts for “cooling off,” which almost always contain added sugars.
Interestingly, this trend isn’t limited to hot weather. Researchers noted a significant spike in sugar consumption even at a moderate 20°C: extreme heat isn’t necessary—just a warm day will do.
Long-Term Consequences: Obesity, Blood Pressure, Diabetes
- Extra Calories – every day, little by little. The gradual increase in sugar consumption leads to a surplus of calories that quietly accumulates as weight.
- Health Risks. Excess sugary drinks are linked to higher blood pressure, insulin resistance, and , as well as heart problems.
- Long-Term Outlook. In a scenario of significant warming, researchers predict that by 2095, the average person could consume an additional 2.99 grams of sugar daily just due to rising temperatures. While this may not sound alarming, over the years and across populations, it could have serious implications.
- Inequality of Impact. The most vulnerable are those with lower incomes and education levels: their sugar consumption rises more rapidly in the heat because sugary drinks are often cheaper and more accessible than healthier alternatives.
How to Stay Cool Without Extra Sugar
- Water is Your First Line of Defense. Keep a bottle handy. If you want some flavor, add slices of , , or mint leaves.
- Homemade Frozen Alternatives. Instead of ice cream, try frozen berry purees without sugar, pieces of fruit, or yogurt without added sweeteners, which you can freeze in molds.
- Cold Drinks – No Syrups. Unsweetened iced tea, sparkling water with citrus, and kefir/ayran are better thirst quenchers in the heat than sugary sodas.
- Read Labels Carefully. Look for the “carbohydrates” line on bottles and check how much of that is sugar. Choose products with ≤5 grams of sugar per 100 ml (even better if they have no added sugar).
- Plan Ahead for Hot Weather. Stock up on fruits, water, and unsweetened drinks before the hot days arrive, so you’re not tempted to grab sugary options on the go.
Drop by Drop, It Becomes a Sea
The weather quietly and persistently alters our habits. One sugary drink on a hot day isn’t a disaster, but each warm day can add a little sugar—and over time, this can affect our weight, blood pressure, and overall well-being. By learning to cool off without extra sugar, we can maintain both our figure and our health—even when the thermometer consistently reads “above normal.”
Photo: Unsplash