Why are Americans so fat? The answer is complex ... and simple. The following statistics explain what we as a society are doing to ourselves; unfortunately, they do not explain why. (All data are direct or derived from a U.S. Department of Agriculture statistical bulletin,1 except where indicated.) These numbers are estimated from disappearance data, which are calculated as follows: production plus beginning plus total import, minus farm use, industrial use, exports and ending stock. Disappearance data does not include spoilage, spillage and waste, so the actual amounts consumed are less.
This month, we will look at the sugar statistics. In 1997, the average American consumed 53 teaspoons of added sugars daily! (Please see Tables 1-7.)
(1 tsp = 4 gms of added sugar = 16 calories.) * Includes table sugar; high-fructose corn syrup; fructose; glucose; and dextrose
(Note: The United States National Soft Drink Association Vice President of Scientific and Technical Affairs has stated, "A thorough review of scientific literature on the subject of obesity shows there is no association between sugar consumption and obesity."2)
| Calorie level | Sugar* recommendations (not to exceed) |
1,600 | 6 teaspoons |
2,000 | 10 teaspoons |
2,200 | 12 teaspoons |
2,800 | 18 teaspoons |
| Table 1: The USDA Food Pyramid Guide. | |
Agency | Parent organization | Recommendations |
World Health Organization / United Nations | United Nations | No more than 10% of calories from added sugars |
Food and Agriculture Association | United Nations | No more than 10% of calories from added sugars |
Institute of Medicire | U.S. National Academy of Science | No more than 25% of calories from added sugars |
| Table 2: Sugar recommendations.2 | ||
| Year | Sweeteners |
1909 | 87.5 |
1970 | 122.3 |
1980 | 123.0 |
1990 | 137.0 |
1997 | 154.0 |
| Table 3: Caloric sweeteners - pounds consumed per person per year. | |
Year | Diet | Regular | Total |
1970 | 2.1 | 22.2 | 24.3 |
1980 | 5.1 | 29.9 | 35.1 |
1990 | 10.7 | 35.6 | 46.3 |
1997 | 11.6 | 41.4 | 53.0 |
Table 4: Soda - Gallons consumed per person per year. | |||
| Year | High-fructose corn syrup |
| 1970 | 0.5 |
| 1980 | 19 |
| 1990 | 49.6 |
| 1997 | 52.4 |
Table 5: High-fructose corn syrup - pounds consumed per person per year. | |
| Year | Pure juice | Fruit drink, "ades," teas |
| 1970 | 5.0 | N/A |
| 1980 | 7.4 | N/A |
| 1990 | 7.9 | 6.4 |
| 1997 | 9.2 | 9.1 |
Table 6: Fruit juice, fruit drinks, "ades," and flavored teas - gallons consumed per person per year. | ||
Year | Candy |
1970 | 19.9 |
1980 | 16.1 |
1990 | 20.3 |
1997 | 24.8 |
Table 7: Candy - pounds consumed per person per year. | |
References
G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN
Brea, California
gdandersen@earthlink.net
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