#Sugaraddiction

A wave of cutting-edge scientific research has triggered global alarm bells over the dangers of sugar, with health experts comparing its addictiveness and health impact to those of nicotine and even cocaine. As new findings highlight the biochemical and psychological hold of sugar on the brain, Thailand is both a consumer and battleground, taking concrete policy steps to help curb this ‘sweet danger’ before it causes a wider epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and mental health disorders.

A wave of recent research shows sugar can trigger addiction-like brain responses and powerful cravings. Health experts compare its impact to substances such as nicotine, underscoring a growing concern about obesity, diabetes, and mental health. Thailand is responding with strategic policies aimed at reducing sugar intake and guiding healthier choices for families.

Sugar has become pervasive in modern diets. In the United States, more than 60% of food and beverage products contain added sugars, a pattern echoed in many Asian markets as processed foods expand. The average North American consumes about 17 teaspoons of added sugar daily, far above guidelines. In Thailand, studies indicate that a large portion of the population regularly consumes sugar-sweetened beverages, contributing to rising health risks.