How Much Sugar Are You Drinking Each Day?  

A UNC expert warns about liquid calories and offers practical tips for choosing healthier beverages.  

We know that sugar consumption is a major contributor to obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes. Yet the average American takes in about 22 teaspoons of sugar per day, and the average adolescent consumes as many as 34 teaspoons of sugar per day. While you probably know treats such as cookies and doughnuts are loaded with sugar, you may be surprised at how much sugar is in some of your favorite drinks.

Anita Skariah, DO, a physician with Orange Family Medical Group in Hillsborough, appeared on WRAL’s “Staying Healthy” segment to talk about how much sugar we should actually get and offer her tips on reading nutrition labels.A screenshot of Dr. Skariah on the WRAL set.

Watch Dr. Skariah on WRAL.


If you are concerned that you or your child is consuming too much sugar, talk to your doctor. If you need a doctor, find one near you.