How does added sugar affect your body over time?

Consuming too much added sugar over time leads to a range of serious health consequences. The liver converts excess sugar into fat, which can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Chronically high sugar intake spikes insulin repeatedly, eventually leading to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. It also promotes inflammation throughout the body, raising the risk of heart disease by increasing triglycerides and LDL cholesterol while lowering HDL. Beyond metabolic effects, excess sugar contributes to weight gain since it adds calories without promoting satiety. It feeds harmful oral bacteria, causing tooth decay, and some research links high sugar consumption to cognitive decline and increased risk of certain cancers. Sugar is also mildly addictive, triggering dopamine release and reinforcing cravings over time.