#243 - Why sugary drinks can cause weight gain and low energy | Dr. Richard Johnson & Dr. Dominic D’Agostino

Traditional soft drinks, juice boxes, and energy and sports drinks are loaded with high fructose corn syrup, an ingredient also found in many processed foods. The body processes fructose differently than other sugars, and fructose can lead to weight gain by encouraging the body to store energy. Dr. Richard Johnson and Dr. Dominic D’Agostino discuss the issues with fructose, sucralose (found in PRIME energy drinks), and other artificial sweeteners. They explore how fructose can drive food cravings and overeating, its potential role as an Alzheimer’s contributor, and the benefits of a different sugar that might promote the release of GLP-1, the hormone that Ozempic and Wegovy help increase.

Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠⁠

Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.

Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.

🎙 What Richard Johnson, MD, & Dominic D’Agostino, PhD, discuss:

(1:59) — Richard Johnson, MD, is a prolific researcher regarding sugar’s effects

(6:38) — Soft drinks are a major source of added sugar, which has negative effects on metabolic health

(8:31) — Fructose lowers energy in the body, driving hunger

(14:16) — Fructose can drive insulin resistance and increase fat

(21:44) — A small amount of fructose can be beneficial to the body

(29:11) — Fructose consumption may be a culprit of Alzheimer’s disease

(48:21) — Low-calorie sugars can still make you crave more sugar

(53:59) — A low-calorie sugar called allulose has potential health benefits

(55:59) — Allulose may stimulate GLP-1

(59:39) — A low-carb diet helps reduce sugar cravings

⁠Transcripts & Show notes⁠⁠

🔗 Helpful links:

Find us on YouTube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠

Watch the full conversation: ⁠https://youtu.be/AMgBxyJvtx0