Sugary drinks and ice cream may feel like the perfect way to beat the heat, but new research shows they could be quietly damaging health. A joint study by UK and US researchers has found that hot weather pushes people, especially in low-income communities, to consume more sweet products, raising the risks of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
The research, which analyzed American household purchasing data from 2004 to 2019, revealed that when temperatures are between 12°C and 30°C, sugar intake increases by an average of 0.70 grams per person per day. While this may sound small, the impact adds up over time and can contribute to serious health problems.
The study also found that low-income and less-educated groups are most affected. Cheap sugary drinks and ice creams are often the most accessible way to stay cool, but limited awareness of health risks makes these households more vulnerable. Researchers warned that rising global temperatures caused by climate change are likely to worsen this trend, with sugar consumption in poorer communities potentially rising by up to five grams per day by the end of the century.
Health experts stress that this increase could drive a surge in obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes cases. According to the American Heart Association, men should not consume more than 36 grams of sugar per day, while women should limit intake to 24 grams. Surpassing these limits regularly can increase the risk of chronic illnesses.
The researchers emphasized the need for stronger public awareness campaigns, healthier and affordable alternatives, and policies to reduce over-reliance on sugary products during summer heatwaves. They suggest that without urgent action, communities already at risk may face worsening health challenges in the decades ahead.
