Also read | Orry reveals he lost 23 kg with his ‘zero sugar’ diet: ‘I don’t eat…’ Scrolling through social media, it is almost impossible to escape the allure of the ‘zero-sugar’ or ‘ no-sugar ’ challenge. Content creators regularly showcase dramatic transformations in trending videos. They attribute chiselled cheekbones, a snatched jawline, and the sudden disappearance of facial fat entirely to cutting sugar out of their diets.
To separate wellness myth from medical reality, we spoke with Dr Shehla Shaikh, consultant endocrinologist at Saifee Hospital in Mumbai. In the interview with HT Lifestyle, she broke down what cutting sugar can — and cannot — do for your facial structure, skin, and overall health. Reducing your intake of added sugar over time can benefit your overall health. “A diet high in added sugar may indirectly contribute to poorer skin health, particularly when it replaces more nutrient-dense foods. High sugar intake can also contribute to processes such as glycation, which may affect collagen and skin structure over time. However, cutting sugar is not a skin-brightening treatment,” Dr Shaikh explained. However, treating it as an overnight facial contouring routine sets unrealistic expectations. As Dr Shaikh concluded, “The bigger picture is that reducing added sugar is a healthy habit, not a quick facial transformation. The goal is to make choices consistently rather than expecting dramatic changes overnight. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Excessive sugar consumption is linked to an increased risk of certain health conditions, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease, according to a 2019 study by National Library of Medicine. Reducing added sugar undeniably yields incredible long-term rewards: improved energy levels, balanced cholesterol, reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, and better dental health.
