The Hotter It Gets, the More Americans Consume Ice Cream and Sodas... Especially Harmful for These Groups

Global Warming Fuels Americans' Craving for Sweets
Over 100 Million Pounds (358 Million kg) of Sugar Consumed Annually
Rising Hot Days Drive Greater Sugar Intake Among Low-Income and Less-Educated Groups

Foreign tourists visiting Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul, are holding refreshing drinks in their hands. This is a stock photo unrelated to the article content.

As heatwaves caused by climate change intensify, a new study has found that Americans are increasingly turning to ice cream, frozen desserts, and cold carbonated drinks like ice-cold sodas. This surge in consumption is raising serious health concerns.

Rising Temperatures Drive Increased Sugar Consumption Among Americans, Especially Low-Income Groups

On September 9 (local time), CNN reported these findings, citing a paper published in the September issue of the journal Nature Climate Change by researchers from the United States and the United Kingdom. According to the paper, when temperatures rise, Americans-especially those with lower income and education levels-consume more sugar-sweetened beverages and frozen desserts like ice cream.

The researchers analyzed food purchase data from U.S. households between 2004 and 2019 to track long-term consumption patterns within the same households. They then compared this data with regional weather information, including temperature and humidity. The results showed that for every 1 degree Celsius increase in temperature, the average daily sugar intake per person in U.S. households increased by 0.7 grams. Compared to 15 years ago, this means that over 100 million pounds (approximately 358 million kilograms) of additional sugar is being consumed annually across the United States. The researchers predict that if greenhouse gas emissions continue, the average daily sugar intake per person in the U.S. could increase by about 3 grams by 2095.

Foreign tourists visiting Myeongdong in Jung-gu, Seoul, are cooling off by eating ice cream. This is a stock photo unrelated to the article content.

The researchers particularly noted that the increase in sugar consumption was more pronounced among low-income or less-educated households. These groups already tend to consume more sugar-containing foods, as such products are relatively inexpensive and easily accessible, and they also spend less time in air-conditioned environments. As a result, the health risks associated with this trend are likely to be concentrated among vulnerable populations.

Hot Weather Leads to Greater Fluid Loss... Prompting People to Seek Cold and Sweet Products

Fan He, a lecturer in environmental science and sustainability at Cardiff University and a co-author of the study, told CNN, "There is already ample evidence that climate change affects food availability and quality, leading to shortages, price increases, and reduced nutritional value." However, he added, "What is less well known is how it affects what people eat and drink-that is, its impact on dietary habits." He explained, "Hot weather leads to greater fluid loss in the body, making people seek out cool and hydrating foods. For Americans, this typically means cold and sweet products like sodas and ice cream."

Residents of the shantytown in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, are cooling off with cooling fog. This is a stock photo unrelated to the article content.

Excessive sugar intake can lead to various health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends limiting added sugar intake to less than 6% of total daily calories, which means no more than 36 grams per day for men and 26 grams for women.

Poor Americans Face 29% Higher Diabetes Risk Even With One More Sugary Drink Per Day

Charlotte Kukowski, a researcher at the Social Decision-Making Lab at the University of Cambridge, told CNN, "There is still a lack of evidence on how extreme heat changes dietary habits," but added, "This study highlights an under-discussed pathway through which climate change affects human well-being." She further pointed out, "It is concerning that the most vulnerable groups-those with the fewest resources to adapt-are most directly affected by climate change and simultaneously face the greatest risks of diet-related diseases." Fan He also noted, "It remains uncertain how climate change will affect humanity's eating habits and what consequences this will have for health inequalities," adding that "more region-specific research is needed."

Robert Lustig, a pediatric endocrinologist specializing in obesity at the University of California, San Francisco, stated, "For poor Americans, even drinking just one more can of sugary beverage per day increases the risk of diabetes by 29%," emphasizing that "this temperature-related thirst is a significant factor in the obesity epidemic in the United States."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.