The Claim
In non-Hispanic white adults aged 18–70, consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with increased waist circumference and increased proportion of visceral adipose tissue, independent of total energy intake and other dietary patterns including fiber, dairy, red meat, and alcohol consumption.
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.
In non-Hispanic white adults aged 18–70, drinking sugar-sweetened beverages is linked to larger waist size and a higher proportion of fat around internal organs, even when accounting for total calorie intake and other dietary factors such as fiber, dairy, red meat, and alcohol.
See the scientific wording
In non-Hispanic white adults aged 18–70, sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is associated with increased waist circumference and visceral adipose tissue proportion, independent of total energy intake and other dietary patterns including fiber, dairy, red meat, and alcohol consumption.
When people drink sugary beverages, the fructose in them goes straight to the liver, where it is turned into fat. This fat is packaged and sent into the bloodstream, where it is 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 visceral 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
Even if people eat the same number of calories as others, those who drink more sugary sodas tend to have bigger waists and more fat around their organs, not just more overall fat.
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.