A new study published in Nature Climate Change on September 8, 2025, revealed that rising temperatures in the United States have a direct effect on sugar consumption. Researchers from the United States and the United Kingdom found that as daily temperatures rose between 54 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (12 to 30 Celsius), Americans purchased more sugary beverages and frozen desserts. The study showed that this resulted in more than 100 million pounds (358 million kilograms) of additional sugar consumed each year compared to 15 years ago. The effect was most visible among households with low income, less education, or outdoor occupations. Experts warned that this pattern could worsen health conditions, especially obesity and diabetes, which are already serious concerns in many communities. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the average annual temperature in the United States has increased by 2.2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 Celsius) since 1895, a change connected to human-driven climate trends.

The researchers explained that the increase was not only about thirst but also about lifestyle factors. Families with limited access to clean water or air conditioning were more vulnerable to higher intake of sugary products. Health specialists noted that even a small daily increase could accumulate and cause long-term effects, especially in disadvantaged areas. They emphasized that one extra can of soda each day could raise diabetes risk by nearly 30 percent. Scholars described this situation as deleterious, since it may add more pressure to already struggling health systems. Others warned that the impact could be exacerbated as temperatures continue to climb. Experts also highlighted how this change in consumption can perpetuate inequality, because poorer households are more exposed. The findings were called salient for public health research, and specialists described the link between heat and diet as unequivocal evidence of climate’s influence on human behavior.