Study reveals sweet tooth linked to increased risk of depression, diabetes, and stroke
Individuals with a preference for sweet foods and sugary drinks face a significantly higher risk of developing conditions such as depression, diabetes, and stroke, according to groundbreaking research from the University of Surrey. The study, which highlights the complex interplay between dietary habits and long-term health, was recently published in the Journal of Translational Medicine.
The research team analysed anonymised dietary data from 180,000 volunteers from the UK Biobank, a large-scale biomedical database, and utilised artificial intelligence (AI) to categorise participants into three distinct dietary profiles based on their food preferences:
- Health-conscious: This group prioritises fruits, vegetables, and plant-based foods, showing a clear preference for healthier options over animal-based or sweet foods.
- Omnivore: These individuals enjoy a balanced variety of foods, including meats, fish, vegetables, and occasional sweets and desserts.
- Sweet tooth: This group has a strong preference for sugary foods and drinks, while showing less interest in healthier options such as fruits and vegetables.
To explore how these preferences might impact health, the researchers examined blood samples from participants, measuring 2,923 proteins and 168 metabolites. These biological markers offer insight into how the body processes nutrients and its overall functioning. Proteins, for instance, are crucial for bodily processes such as immune defence, muscle function, and brain activity. Metabolites are small molecules produced during digestion and other metabolic processes, providing a snapshot of the body’s internal health.
By comparing the levels of these proteins and metabolites across the three groups, the researchers uncovered distinct biological differences, offering a deeper understanding of how diet impacts health.
Professor Nophar Geifman, lead author of the study and Professor of Health and Biomedical Informatics at the University of Surrey, explained, “The foods that people like or dislike appear to have a direct link to their health. If someone regularly chooses cakes, sweets, and sugary drinks, our study suggests that this preference may have detrimental effects on their overall well-being.”
The study revealed that individuals in the sweet tooth group were 31% more likely to experience depression. Additionally, they had notably higher rates of diabetes and vascular heart conditions compared to those in the other two groups.
“Importantly, by using data-driven AI methods, we were able to identify these groups based on food preferences, and these groups turned out to be quite meaningful in relation to health outcomes and biological markers,” added Professor Geifman.
Sugar is often an integral part of many people’s diets, and the study reinforces concerns about the widespread consumption of processed sugar. “As a society, we should be more mindful of our food choices. While it is not about dictating what people should eat, our goal is to provide information that helps individuals make informed decisions about their diets,” said Geifman.
In addition to examining proteins and metabolites, the researchers also reviewed standard blood biochemistry tests for participants in each dietary group. The results were concerning for the sweet tooth group, who displayed elevated levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, as well as higher glucose levels and poor lipid profiles, which are risk indicators for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
In contrast, the health-conscious group, which consumed more dietary fibre, exhibited lower risks of heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and stroke. Meanwhile, the omnivore group demonstrated moderate health risks, falling between the other two groups.
Professor Geifman further noted, “In those with a sweet tooth, we found several red flags in their blood tests, including markers for inflammation and poor lipid profiles. These are significant warning signs for serious conditions like diabetes and heart disease.”
The findings add to the growing body of evidence highlighting the negative impact of excessive sugar consumption on health. According to the British Nutrition Foundation, individuals in the UK consume between 9% to 12.5% of their daily calorie intake from “free sugars”—these are sugars added to foods and drinks. Popular sources of free sugars for adults include biscuits, cakes, pastries, and fruit pies, while sugary soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are also major contributors.
This study underscores the urgent need for greater awareness around dietary habits and their long-term implications on mental and physical health. While occasional treats may not seem harmful, consistently choosing sugar-laden foods and drinks could increase the likelihood of developing serious health conditions over time.
As Professor Geifman emphasised, “These findings serve as a reminder that the choices we make about what we eat can have lasting consequences on our health. While no one is saying people should entirely eliminate their favourite foods, moderation and a focus on healthier options could greatly reduce the risk of these debilitating conditions.”
This new research provides a compelling argument for reconsidering dietary habits, particularly for those with a sweet tooth, and for taking proactive steps to improve overall well-being through mindful eating.