High-fructose Corn Syrup: Does it Contribute to Obesity?

The increased consumption of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has often been implemented in the obesity debate. The increase in consumption of HFCS occurred at the same time as the rapid increase in the rates of obesity in the United States. However, very little research lends evidence to the theory that HFCS is uniquely responsible for obesity. HFCS is similar in composition to sucrose and is most likely metabolized similarly. Also, they have similar levels of sweetness. Short-term studies on the metabolic effects of HFCS in humans has shown that it has similar effects as sucrose on levels of insulin, glucose, leptin, ghrelin, and triglycerides. While long-term studies in animals have revealed slightly different findings, it is evident that more long-term studies are necessary. It is likely that the increase in obesity is due to many factors such as increased fast food consumption and decreased amounts of physical activity. However, the increased consumption of soft drinks has also had an effect. There is more evidence relating the increase in consumption of soft drinks than the increase in consumption of HFCS to the increase in rates of obesity in the US. These soft drinks would have this effect on obesity even if they were sweetened with sucrose as the effect is due to the additional calories that are present in soft drinks as they are not as satiating as solid foods with the same amount of calories. I