Study Overview
Exploiting the end of the post-WWII rationing of sugar and sweets in 1953 in the United Kingdom, we used a regression discontinuity design to measure impacts of sugar-rich diet early in life.
Study Results
We show large adverse effects on the health and economic well-being of adults more than fifty years later. Excessive sugar intake early in life led to higher prevalence of chronic inflammation, diabetes, elevated cholesterol and arthritis. It also decreased post-secondary schooling, having a skilled occupation, and accumulating above median wealth. We identified elevated sugar consumption across lifespan as a likely pathway of impact.
News & media
If You Care About Black Children, You Should Support Food Stamp Restrictions
1/3/23
A just-released paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research found substantial negative long-term effects down the line when children consume excessive amounts of sugar. The authors of the study found that when children consume excessive sugar early in life, it leads to chronic inflammation, diabetes, elevated cholesterol and even arthritis. It also decreased the likelihood a person had of completing post-secondary schooling, having a skilled occupation, or accumulating above median wealth.
What Is Sugar Really Doing to You?
3/9/23
Americans eat a lot of sugar — and it’s hard to determine how it affects our health. Bapu explains how a new study uses data from the 1950s to help solve the mystery.