Sugar Consumption is Growing, and so are Americans!

Strawberry cheesecakes. Banana split ice cream sundaes. Pecan pies. While unbelievably delicious and sweet, American desserts are incredibly high in added sugar. Indeed, a study conducted by Jeremy Landen and Stephan Guyenet revealed that the average American currently consumes 107.7 pounds of sugar annually, compared to the 6.3 pounds consumed in 1822. The increase is primarily because of the heightened consumption and number of added sugars found in snacks and sweets, thus underscoring the significance of this matter. Furthermore, most other countries do not seem to face this issue. However, there is a solution. An extensive campaign to decrease sugar usage in sweets, coupled with a cultural shift towards embracing walking, can eliminate the health problems associated with increased sugar consumption.

Decreasing the number of sugars used in confections can make treats healthier while also enhancing their flavor. According to heart.com, snacks and sweets alone supply a whopping 31% of all added sugars in the US. Due to their affordability, ease of accessibility, and the addictive nature of sugar, individuals are more likely to consume them regularly. Although some fear that reducing the amount of sugar will negatively affect the taste of the treats, through my personal experiences of traveling to Malaysia, India, Canada, and more nations, I have noticed that lowering added sugar usage enables confectioners to improve the flavor of their sweets. I was able to enjoy every ingredient and appreciate the complexity of the treat. In stark contrast, American sweets overpower their flavor with massive amounts of sugar. Rather than having only one flavor, sweet, many other flavors can be honed solely due to the reduction of added sugars. Through my observations, I felt that having more control over flavor allowed the sweets to taste better. While taste is subjective, there is no doubt that less sugar facilitates more experimentation with flavor, thus enabling more vibrant and colorful treats.

Furthermore, embracing walking can empower people to exercise, while also building community through increased interaction. With the term “exercise”, images of intense activities like running and weightlifting come to mind. However, according to Dana Santas, walking is incredibly accessible and great at burning fat, thus effectively countering the consequences of excess sugar consumption. Moreover, walking is convenient, repeatable, and doesn’t require intense dedication. Back in Kolhapur, my mother’s hometown, the community is close-knit. Meanwhile, in Seattle, everyone seems to be distant, only forming groups for family and close friends. According to the National Library of Medicine, further walking increases the frequency of seeing others, which contributes to closer-knit communities. US cities can facilitate this cultural transition by organizing walking events, prioritizing pedestrian-friendly streets, and ensuring safe walking environments, thus simultaneously strengthening communities and improving the health of US citizens.

Additionally, I raised this matter with my mother and inquired about her thoughts on walking to strengthen the community:

Q: Is the community in Kolhapur stronger than Seattle, and does walking contribute to this?

A: In Kolhapur, seeing familiar faces is incredibly common, fostering natural community-building, which in Seattle, due to the fast-paced environment and the prevalent car culture, doesn’t occur.

A large contributor to the alarming statistic that 40% of Americans are obese is increased sugar consumption. To better the health of our society, it is imperative that we not only reevaluate the role of sugar in our sweets but also embrace walking as a means to foster community and well-being. If we can implement the small changes outlined in this essay, we can pave the way for a sweeter future.

Ronak Kothari, a senior at Skyline High School, is a noteworthy advocate for healthier eating habits and the promotion of diverse culinary cultures. His book, "Flavors of Togetherness: A Culinary Exploration of Indian Culture," showcases Indian fusion recipes, aiming to spread awareness of Indian flavors and values. This publication is a testament to his dedication to enhancing the understanding and appreciation of Indian cuisine and its cultural significance. For those interested in exploring the rich fabric of Indian culinary traditions and their fusion with other cuisines, Ronak's book is a valuable resource. You can find it on Amazon through the provided link.