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Shyanne Butler
Kim Strickland
English 1010
18 July 2017
In recent discussions of sugar consumption and the rise of obesity, a controversial issue
has been weather the government should regulate sugar. On one hand scientists say that sugar is
responsible for many illnesses. From their perspective sugar is as toxic as alcohol and tobacco
and should be regulated. On the other hand, however, others would argue that its not sugar that
it is to blame but the amount that is being consumed. In the words of Keith T. Ayoob, a director
of nutrition argues Foods with sugar don't make us sick. The decisions we make about those
foods and our lifestyles do. (Ayoob) According to this view, consumers are to blame not sugar.
In sum, then, the issue is whether the government needs to step in or do consumers need to take
Sugar has been around for centuries, dating back to 8000 BC. Author Damon Gameau
shares some sugar history in his book That Sugar Book he Quotes Queen Elizabeth on her
love of sugar I loved sugar and had blackened teeth as a result (Elizabeth) It was also noted in
the 16th century the poor looked healthier then the rich because they could not afford their
penchant for sugar. So, although some would suggest that sugar is a new-found addiction it
seems as though the addiction has been around for centuries, sugar just wasnt as attainable to
In the early 1700s sugar is used as a spice, it then is used in medical practice, helping
treat fever, dry coughs, pectoral ailments and chapped lips. Damon Gameau quotes an English
doctor saying sugar is veritable cure all, its only defect being that it could make ladies to fat.
(Doctor) In my opinion, this statement is suggesting if sugar was consumed as much as they used
it in the medical field, we would be fat. Dr. Mehmet Oz MD, states in his book you on a diet,
the average person consumes 150 pounds of sugar per year, back in the 1700s the average
American consumed only 7 pounds of sugar in a year. We are consuming 20 times more sugar.
Overweight and obesity have been an ongoing problem in the United States and more
than one-third of U.S. adults (around 35.7%) are obese according to Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention. Sugar is said to be an addictive toxin and is as addictive as cocaine. Scientist say
that sugar is the driving force behind obesity which can lead to diabetes, liver disease,
autoimmune disorder, chronic fatigue, hypothyroid disease, high cholesterol, osteoporosis and
metabolic syndrome. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that obesity cost
the U.S health care system more than $150 billion each year. So, if sugar is making us so sick
According to Dan Defigio, author of Beating Sugar Addiction for Dummies, sugar is
as addictive as cocaine, but its cheap legal, and socially acceptable (Defigio) The author
defines addiction as anything that one must have to avoid a negative feeling or symptom, or the
compulsion to artificially produce a pleasurable feeling. (Defigio) Sugar like alcohol and
cocaine triggers the production of serotonin and dopamine, which are hormones that make you
feel happy and satisfied. However, he points out that the body needs sugar to fuel our bodies. I
agree, that it is important to consume healthy sugars, but we need to be aware of sugar types and
Are we so out of control that the government needs to step in and regulate unhealthy
sugars such as in soda, candy, pastries and other foods high in sugar or is it the consumers
responsibility to take control of the way they are consuming sugar? Through my research it
seems that most scientist and doctors, are suggesting that sugar be regulated.
I wanted to look to consumers and see what their stand on the issues was. I surveyed 64
people, 23.44% said yes, sugar should be regulated, 26.56% said they were not sure and 50%
said no. I actually, was surprised that that 50% were against regulating sugar. Though I agree I
While its is agreed that sugar is a problem, I would have to disagree with scientist who
believe that it should be regulated. I think its is important to look at other factors related to
obesity and do more studies before the government takes action. I believe that it is important for
In truth, America is addicted to sugar and possibly, slowly killing themselves and no
Annotated Bibliography
https://www.usnews.com/debate- club/should-sugar-be-regulated/consumers-need-to-be-
This is a short article but makes such a strong statement about who should be
responsible for the rise in sugar consumption. I chose this source because I strongly
agree with him. He is a Director of a Nutrition Clinic and most of the work he does
DeFigio, Dan. Beating Sugar Addiction for Dummies. For Dummies, January 1, 2013
This book was a great source of information related to the problems that sugar
causes and how are minds and bodies become addicted to sugar. I found it very
helpful and most of my research that I used came from this book. The author is
Founder of getting fit.com and is a respected name in the fitness and nutrition.
Gameau, Damon. That Sugar Book. New York, Flatiron Books, July 2015.
The book follows the authors journey as he constructs a sugar experiment. The
author consumes 40 teaspoons of sugar every day for 60-days but only consume
foods that are consider healthy. Also in his book, he shares interviews with health
experts, advice on beating the sugar habit. I chose this source because who better
than someone who physically and mentally experiences what sugar does to the
body. Damon Gameau is an advocate for good health and an award-winning actor
and director.
Butler 5
Lustig, Robert H., et al. The Toxic Truth about sugar. Nature Journal, Volume 482, February 2,
2012.
This article gives information regarding consumption of sugar and how it is linked to
alcohol. In the article, options for regulating sugar and how it could benefit the public
is discussed, however, it does point out with the cost of sugar being so low and the
supply and demand of sugar being high it could be impossible. The authors do believe
if enough people demand change it can be done. The authors all study at the University
Schmidt and Claire D. Brindis are at the Clinical Translational Science Institute and
Oz, Mehmet C., et al You on a Diet. Free Press. October 31, 2006
This book is more based on someone who is dieting, but as I skimmed through it I
found that the sugar consumption increase was perfect for my essay. The fact that it
was written by Dr. Mehmet C. Oz best known for his television show and American
Cardiothoracic Surgeon, stood out to me because I like his discussions on health and