The Claim
In non-Hispanic white adults aged 18–70, higher frequency of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is associated with a greater proportion of visceral adipose tissue relative to subcutaneous fat (VAT%), independent of total body fat percentage and BMI.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Among non-Hispanic white adults aged 18–70, drinking sugar-sweetened beverages more often is linked to a higher ratio of visceral fat to subcutaneous fat, even when accounting for overall body fat and body mass index.
See the scientific wording
In non-Hispanic white adults aged 18–70, higher frequency of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is associated with a greater proportion of visceral adipose tissue relative to subcutaneous fat (VAT%), independent of total body fat percentage and BMI, suggesting a specific impact on abdominal fat distribution that may elevate cardiometabolic risk.
When people drink sugary beverages, the fructose in them goes straight to the liver, where it gets turned into fat. This fat is packaged and sent into the bloodstream, where it gets pulled into fat tissue around the organs instead of under the skin. The liver also becomes less responsive to insulin, which prevents the body from stopping fat breakdown in the abdominal area, causing more fat to build up there.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Sugar-sweetened and diet beverages in relation to visceral adipose tissue
People who drink more sugary sodas tend to have more fat around their organs, even if they aren’t heavier or fatter overall—this kind of fat is riskier for heart disease and diabetes.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.