Khaberni - "Gen Z" tops the list of age groups that consume the most sweets in the United States according to a recent study conducted by "Talker Research" involving two thousand American adults.
The results, according to "The Independent" newspaper, reveal that about three-quarters of the youth aged between 14 and 29 consume between one to six servings of cookies, ice cream, chocolate, and candies daily, representing a significant increase compared to older generations, who only registered a 57% consumption rate.
A concerning reality
The data from the American Heart Association points to a concerning health reality where the average American consumes nearly 28 kilograms of added sugar annually, which is equivalent to the weight of six heavy bowling balls.
Meanwhile, adults and young people consume an average of 17 teaspoons of sugar per day, which is more than three times the medically recommended quantity for both men and women.
Health experts warn that this diet, which is 90% based on ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks, leads to severe consequences including weight gain, increased blood pressure, and chronic inflammation; directly elevating the risk of heart disease—the leading cause of death in the United States with 900,000 deaths annually.
In a related context, recent studies have linked global temperature rises to an increased demand for sweets; as the elevated temperatures drive consumers towards sweetened cold drinks and ice creams more intensely.
Experts advise the necessity of monitoring food labels and avoiding ingredients that end with the word "ose" such as fructose and dextrose to reduce reliance on hidden sugars that threaten public health and accelerate the onset of obesity and arterial diseases.
