As many Brits gear up to tackle their 2026 weight loss and fitness goals, they may unwittingly be undermining their efforts with seemingly healthy foods that are laden with hidden sugars. This sneaky ingredient is often found in a multitude of food items, including those marketed for diet and fitness, and is frequently concealed within the nutritional information on packaging.
A 2023 study by The Lancet revealed that people with high-sugar diets faced an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Highlighting the deceptive nature of some ‘healthy’ products, one investigation singled out low-calorie beverages for their detrimental impact on cardiovascular health, despite their appearance being healthier than regular fizzy drinks.
It is thought that the average UK adult consumes more than double the recommended daily sugar intake. This not only boosts the body’s propensity to store fat, particularly around the midriff, but also compromises metabolic and cardiovascular health, thereby increasing the risk of serious conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
While most people recognise that added sugars in treats such as sweets and chocolates impact wellbeing, this ingredient lurks in numerous other products that might catch people off guard, including granola bars, reports Surrey Live.
The study noted: “Sugar-sweetened beverages, processed meats, and artificially-sweetened beverages were associated with higher CVD (cardiovascular disease) and CHD (coronary heart disease) risk. Conversely, ultra-processed savoury snacks, cold cereals, and yoghurt/dairy-based desserts were inversely associated with CVD and CHD risk. Ultra-processed bread and cold cereals were associated with lower stroke risk, and hard liquors with lower CHD risk.”
Talking about coronary heart disease, the NHS notes that the signs and symptoms of this include:
- chest pain (angina)
- shortness of breath
- pain in your neck, shoulders, jaw or arms
- feeling faint
- feeling sick (nausea)
Like the study, the medical experts say ‘that coronary heart disease occurs when your heart’s blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances in the coronary arteries. Over time, the walls of your arteries can become furred up with fatty deposits. This process is known as atherosclerosis and the fatty deposits are called atheroma’.
“Atherosclerosis can be caused by lifestyle factors, such as smoking and regularly drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. You’re also more at risk of getting atherosclerosis if you have conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure (hypertension) or diabetes.”
Speaking about cardiovascular disease, also mentioned in the study, the NHS notes that this is often associated with a “build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries (atherosclerosis) and an increased risk of blood clots. It can also be associated with damage to arteries in organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys and eyes.”
It further explains that currently, CVD is one of the main causes of death and disability in the UK; however, it can be “prevented” if you adopt a healthy lifestyle.
A balanced diet includes:
- low levels of saturated fat – try to include healthier sources of fat, such as oily fish, nuts and seeds, and olive oil, and avoid unhealthy fats such as fatty cuts of meat, lard, cream, cakes and biscuits
- low levels of salt – aim for less than 6g (0.2oz or 1 teaspoon) a day
- low levels of sugar
- plenty of fibre and wholegrain foods
- plenty of fruit and vegetables – eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day
You may have some form of circulatory or heart disease if you have chest pain, BHF stomach pain like indigestion, arm, jaw or back pain, feeling sweaty, a choking feeling, feeling sick, swollen ankles, leg pain, extreme fatigue or palpatatuions.
