The Claim
In non-Hispanic white adults aged 18–70, consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with proportion of visceral adipose tissue (VAT%) across both sexes and across age groups 18–43 and 44–69.
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 between 18 and 70 years old, higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is linked to a higher proportion of visceral fat, regardless of whether the person is male or female or whether they are between 18–43 or 44–69 years old.
See the scientific wording
In non-Hispanic white adults aged 18–70, the association between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and visceral adipose tissue proportion (VAT%) is observed across both men and women, and across age groups 18–43 and 44–69, suggesting the pattern is consistent regardless of sex or age.
When people drink sugary beverages, the fructose in them goes 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. The liver also becomes less responsive to insulin, which prevents the body from stopping fat breakdown in the belly 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
This study found that people who drink more sugary sodas tend to have more fat around their organs, no matter if they’re male or female, young or older. So yes, sugary drinks are linked to belly fat in everyone studied.
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.