A new study shows that Americans are overindulging in sugary treats and drinks – the average person consumes 36,000 grams of sugar a year, the equivalent of almost 80 pounds.
The findings, from a survey of 2,000 Americans conducted by Talker Research for Hint Water, highlight the impact a country’s sugar intake has on hydration levels. Even though 85 percent of participants tried to limit their sugar intake, the typical American consumes 99 grams per day, which exceeds the sugar content of two 12-ounce sodas.
The study found that 34 percent of respondents get most of the sugar in their drinks from their morning coffee, and 28 percent consume mostly soda. More than half (51 percent) suspect that their sugar cravings may indicate dehydration, which is notable because participants reported drinking only 48 ounces of water per day, which falls short of recommended guidelines.
“The study found that the average respondent consumes more than twice the amount of sugar recommended by the American Heart Association and significantly less water than recommended by the U.S. National Academy of Medicine each day,” Amy Calhoun Robb, chief marketing officer at Hint Woda, said in a statement.
When examining the emotional factors behind sugar cravings, the study found stress (39 percent), boredom (36 percent), fatigue (24 percent) and loneliness (17 percent) as the main triggers. One surprising discovery: 3:12 p.m. is the hour of peak sweet cravings, and the average person resists it for only 13 minutes before giving in.
After bingeing, respondents typically experience a “crash” within 33 minutes, often feeling tired (42 percent), regretful (25 percent) and lacking concentration (21 percent). Despite these challenges, awareness of the importance of hydration is growing.
“Whether you crave a snack after a meal or need a boost of energy during the day at work, you may find that you rely on sugar more than you think. And then it’s easy to lose focus on health goals, including staying healthy,” Ms. Calhoun-Robb said.
