Among modern health and nutrition experts, few topics evoke as much controversy as the role sugar plays in our diets. One only needs to peruse social media to see both sides of the discourse: those who say that sugar is the root of all evils and those who advocate for enjoying sugar at one’s will — yet the truth of sugar’s impact on health and weight may lie somewhere in the middle.
Sergio Padron, founder and CEO of MD Exam, has built his career around helping people find that all-important balance and a medicinal route to a healthy weight. “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn’t necessarily have to mean sacrificing delicious treats,” Padron says, “but many people could be considered addicted to sugar.”
Sugar’s impact on weight is a pressing concern for those in the health and wellness space. Although the notion that sugar consumption can contribute to weight gain is widely accepted as truth, the relationship between sugar and weight gain is multifaceted.
Sugar and weight gain
While most people enjoy a sugary treat, Padron states that there is potential for too much. “I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound impact of sugar on weight gain,” says Padron.
Utilizing the latest in weight loss medications such as Wegovy along with diet, exercise, and direction on self-care habits, MD Exam’s focus is on helping people find balance. “Sugar addiction isn’t merely an issue of willpower,” Padron offers. “It’s deeply ingrained in our society and food environment.”
Sugar is also notoriously calorie-dense, and while it provides people with energy in small, powerful doses, it can also radically increase one’s calorie intake. When that intake is not balanced by an energy expenditure, weight gain is the result.
Padron notes that sugar can also cause a rapid spike in blood glucose. In response, the pancreas releases insulin to help transport that glucose throughout the body to be used as extra stores of energy.
“However, insulin also promotes the storage of glucose as fat,” Padron says. “So the more sugar you consume, the more your body will store. The metabolic response of the body to sugar is what leads to weight gain. If people do not moderate their sugar intake or take medicinal steps to curb their sugar cravings, they are bound to be unbalanced in their sugar consumption.”
The medicinal route to balance
Semaglutide medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have been making headlines in the last few years as Hollywood stars like Oprah Winfrey, Sharon Osborne, and more have turned to these medications to help them lose weight and keep it off. These medications are part of a multilayered approach to overall wellness that Padron and his team have found great success with.
“One of the primary challenges for people lies in the absence of sufficient understanding of optimal dietary choices, the need for physical activity, and self-nurturing practices,” says Padron.
Semaglutide medications function by replicating the body’s naturally produced hormone known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is typically secreted by the intestines following food consumption. This hormone plays a crucial role in managing appetite and blood sugar levels.
“The GLP-1 communicates with our brain, signaling the feeling of being full, and decelerates digestion, extending this sensation of fullness,” explains Padron. “In essence, semaglutide empowers individuals to reduce calorie intake and ultimately achieve weight loss.”
Popular semaglutide medications on the market today suppress one’s appetite, slow the rate at which food moves through the stomach and intestines, improve insulin sensitivity, and promote overall weight loss, often exceeding the weight loss expected from diet and exercise alone. Because many people can develop a sugar addiction, much like addictions to other substances, they may need extra support to kick the habit and create a healthier lifestyle. Medicinal intervention combined with an expert support system and guidelines on self-care can be the combination many people find successful.
“It is important to gain an understanding of the multifaceted factors that are in play with any weight problem,” says Padron. “Sugar is not the only culprit in the battle against weight, but it can be a formidable foe, disrupting appetite regulation, promoting fat storage, and contributing to metabolic imbalances.” With new developments in medicinal interventions for weight loss, there is hope on the horizon for those seeking to shed pounds and kick their sugar habit. Empowering people with information about proper nutrition, physical activity, support, and medicinal options can lead to greater success. By integrating these powerful medications into a comprehensive treatment approach, experts like Padron and his team at MD Exam are paving the way toward balance and a better overall understanding of health and