Dr. Sarah Berry’s study from King’s College London reveals a concerning trend: one in four individuals may be undermining nutritious meals with sugary snacks. Snacking is widespread, with over 90% of American adults snacking daily. In the UK, nearly half have two snacks daily, and about 30% snack even more. Despite healthy main meals, many add sugary snacks, potentially increasing hunger. Dr. David Katz, a preventive medicine specialist, advises thoughtful food choices, comparing them to preparing for different weather conditions. He emphasizes an environment that encourages healthy choices.

The study of 854 participants found connections between poor snack choices and higher BMI, more belly fat, and higher post-meal triglycerides, which are related to health problems. Snacking after 9 p.m. often leads to high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sugar foods, potentially causing long-term health issues. Note that not all snacks are bad; choosing healthy options like nuts and fresh fruit helps maintain a good weight compared to less healthy choices.