Attention Phoenix! Sugar is bad for us (Part 1)

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center

Published: April 25, 2010

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How much sugar can I eat?

The recommendation for added sugar is to eat or drink no more than 100 grams per day for a woman and 150 grams per day for a male. This recommendation is endorsed by the American Heart Association (AHA) in a scientific statement published in the journal Circulation in 2009. As an example, a 12 ounce can of soda or pop contains about 130 calories.

Added sugar is defined as sugars that are not naturally occurring or intrinsic. This refers to sugars and syrups added to foods during processing or preparation and sugars and syrups added at the table.

How has sugar intake changed?

From 2001 to 2004, the daily amount of added sugar eaten by the average American was 355 calories per day. From 1970 to 2005, the amount of sugars available to eat increased by 76 calories per day (19% increase) from 400 to 476 calories per day. The actual intake of sugar has been estimated to have increased from 235 cal per day per person in 1977 and 1978 to 318 calories per person per day in 2004 and 2005.

From 2001 to 2004, 14 to 18 year old year old children had the highest intake of added sugar at 549 calories per day. Most of these calories come from soft drinks, fruit drinks, desserts, sugars, jellies, candy and ready-to-eat cereals. The intake of caloric soft drinks increased 70% from 1970 to 2000.

Why is sugar bad?

All of this added sugar is not good for our weight or our heart. Increased sugar has been shown to raise blood pressure, blood triglycerides (one of the bad cholesterols) and decrease our HDL (the “good” cholesterol). This excess sugar intake also leads to less eating of nutritious food therefore decreasing the levels of several important vitamins including calcium, vitamin A, iron and zinc.

Another interesting study showed that when the size of a sugary cola increased from 12 ounces to 18 ounces, the calories also eaten with it as food increased by 10% in women and 26% in men. These extra 50 calories can lead to 5 lbs of weight gain in a year!

nick weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Nick's Story

"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More

gina weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 44.5 lbs

"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.

I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More

lauren weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 60 lbs

"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More

chuck h weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 66 lbs

"The best thing I did was call the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I have a lot more energy, I'm not hungry, and it feels great.

You can take it from me that this is a program that produces results. The staff is always positive, supportive, and never judgmental.

Your visits always result in positive reinforcement, no matter if you had a good week or a bad week." Read More

emily weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 101 lbs

"Here I am at the lowest I have been since high school weighing in at 155lbs. I have lost 101 lbs, BMI of 39 when I started, to 21.6, and of course at body fat % of 47.1 to 26.5%. I told myself by my 30th birthday I wanted to be confident in the way I look and I owe it all to SWLC. The entire staff is so welcoming and they are rooting for you just as much as you are rooting for yourself...." Read More

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   Andi K 
 2 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I landed at Scottsdale Weight Loss 13 years ago and lost 50 pounds….regained 10 and then lost them again, plus another 20.  It is a great program, and all the professionals are amazing and caring.
     
   Mj W 
 8 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. SWL has been a God send to me! Dr. Guzman & staff especially Lilia & Bianca! They’re so supportive & professional I have lost approx 50 pounds over the year at my own pace.
     
   Donna L 
 10 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great place 30 lbs.and counting thank you And now it is over 40 lbs. and counting thank you great job
     
   John J 
 26 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr Robert Ziltzer! He helped me reach my ideal weight and more importantly maintain it for over 2 years. He has also helped me keep my blood pressure exactly where my internist wanted it. Dr Ziltzer is not only exceptional in weight management but also a truly gifted internet’s. His knowledge, kindness, and dedication are remarkable. I am deeply grateful for his care and recommend him whole heartedly!
     
   Merle S 
 33 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff at the Phoenix office are great! My experience with Dr deGuzman has been wonderful. Miriam has always been very helpful and makes the office visits pleasant and personal. The medical assistants have always been professional and great to help meet my goals.
     
   Paula S 
 36 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really felt comfortable with Kristen at my initial appointment.  Everyone at the center was caring and friendly, from Bianca, at the front desk, to Lily, who is the MA.  Kristen listened to my frustrations and prior disappointments about what has not worked, and is confident that she can help me achieve my goals of weight loss.  I am looking forward and excited to see the success I will attain.
     
   Joyce K 
 43 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My weight loss is going well because of Scottsdale Weight Loss Center.  I couldn’t do it without them
     
   Robert D 
 45 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing staff and great program!  Feeling great!
     
   Brian H 
 47 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'd lost 20 pounds on my own and struggled to keep it off.  I decided GLP-1 meds were the next step in losing more and keeping it off.  I wanted a medical doctor supervised program and chose SWLC. I am so very glad I did!  The team in Glendale is so supportive and kind; and when I feel discouraged, they pick me up with positive energy and input.  They really do a great job with encouragement all the time. 6 weeks in I've lost 17 pounds, and am approaching weight loss with a very new perspective.  Also knowing that when I reach my target goal, they'll be there through maintenance and beyond is encouraging as well.  Good to not feel alone on this journey.
     
   Stephanie P 
 61 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They have encouraged and been there through every tough situation. Definitely the team to lean on.
     
   Theresa G 
 66 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone is pretty amazing but Kim the NP is absolutely one of the best practitioners I’ve ever met !
     
   Mary K 
 67 days ago
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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