The Impact of Excessive Fructose Intake on Adipose Tissue and the Development of Childhood Obesity

Anna Karenina Azevedo-Martins, Matheus Pedro Santos, Julie Abayomi, Natália Juliana Ramos Ferreira, Fabiana S. Evangelista

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (journal)peer-review

Abstract

Worldwide, childhood obesity cases continue to rise, and its prevalence is known to increase the risk of non-communicable diseases typically found in adults, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Thus, comprehending its multiple causes to build healthier approaches and revert this scenario is urgent. Obesity development is strongly associated with high fructose intake since the excessive consumption of this highly lipogenic sugar leads to white fat accumulation and causes white adipose tissue (WAT) inflammation, oxidative stress, and dysregulated adipokine release. Unfortunately, the global consumption of fructose has increased dramatically in recent years, which is associated with the fact that fructose is not always evident to consumers, as it is commonly added as a sweetener in food and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). Therefore, here, we discuss the impact of excessive fructose intake on adipose tissue biology, its contribution to childhood obesity, and current strategies for reducing high fructose and/or free sugar intake. To achieve such reductions, we conclude that it is important that the population has access to reliable information about food ingredients via food labels. Consumers also need scientific education to understand potential health risks to themselves and their children.
Original languageEnglish
Article number939
Pages (from-to)1-19
Number of pages19
JournalNutrients
Volume16
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Mar 2024

Keywords

  • fructose
  • childhood obesity
  • adipose tissue

Research Institutes

  • Health Research Institute

Research Centres

  • International Centre for Applied Research with childrEn, young people, pregnant women and families

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