Scientists discover how fructose may help drive obesity
High-fructose corn syrup is just one of many food additives linked to obesity. It is typically found in sweetened beverages and processed foods and is added to enhance flavor and sweetness. However, exactly how it contributes to weight gain and obesity is not completely understood.
Scientists have discovered that fructose, a type of sugar found in high-fructose corn syrup, may contribute to obesity in ways beyond simply adding calories to the diet. Researchers from the University of California, Irvine found that fructose metabolism in the small intestine could alter the gut microbiome and affect fat absorption, potentially leading to weight gain and insulin resistance.
In a study involving mice, those with a genetic modification that eliminated a fructose-processing enzyme called Ketohexokinase-C gained less weight, maintained leaner bodies, and showed better response to glucose despite consuming the same number of calories as normal mice. This is because fructose passed further down the digestive tract when the enzyme was missing, altering the gut microbiome and causing fat-absorbing tubes to shrink.
The researchers suggest that this finding could help explain why diets high in sugar and fat are particularly harmful and may lead to new treatments for obesity, such as drugs that inhibit Ketohexokinase.
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