Signs You Have Excessive Sugar Intake

Signs You Have Excessive Sugar Intake
Illustration of excessive sugar intake. Credit: Freepik

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The body requires sugar to provide energy so that organs can function properly. Sugar can be obtained naturally from fruits or other types of foods and beverages. However, even those who believe they have healthy diet may unknowingly consume more sugar than necessary.

The section below explains several indicators that show someone might be taking in too much sugar without realizing it.

 

Signs You Have Excessive Sugar Intake

Frequent Hunger and Weight Gain

A common indication of excessive sugar intake is increased hunger. While the sweetness of sugar can give you pleasure and satisfaction after having it, sugar will not keep you feeling full for long.

On the contrary, sugary foods intake can cause cravings for even more sweets, which increases hunger. Without enough protein or fiber consumption to balance sugar intake, the sugar is burned quickly by the body and hungerwill return in a short amount of time. This can lead to frequent snacking and, over time, weight gain.

Routine consumption of sweet beverages also contributes to weight gain in both children and adults. Besides the extra calories in these drinks, excessive sugar intake can upset the balance of bacteria in your digestive system. This imbalance affects metabolism and reduces the body’s ability to process fat and cholesterol efficiently.

Irritability

Another sign that you may be consuming too much sugar is mood changes that lead to irritability or feeling easily annoyed. Several studies have found that a high intake of added sugar can cause inflammation in the body, which in turn worsens mood and has even been linked to the appearance of symptoms of depression.

Myalgia and Fatigue

Sugar is a source of energy that is digested very quickly. When you eat large amounts of sweet foods, your body does get a rapid burst of energy, but the effect does not last long. Within 30 minutes, most of the sugar has been used up, leaving you feel hungry, weak, and tired.

A sudden increase in blood sugar and insulin levels is often followed by a quick drop in energy. As a result, your body feels drained, and you tend to look for more sweet foods to get another instant energy boost.

Food No Longer Tastes Sweet Enough

Eating too many sweet foods can change how your tongue perceives sweetness. If you notice that food no longer tastes as sweet previously and you begin to crave more sugar, this may be a sign that you have too much sugar.

When you eat sweets, your body releases dopamine, hormone that provides sensation of pleasure. However, the more often you eat them, the less sensitive your dopamine receptors become, so your body needs more sugar to feel the same level of satisfaction. Over time, this can lead to strong cravings or even an addiction to sweet foods.

 

Healthy Tips When Your Body Have Too Much Sugar

Consuming too much sugar can increase blood sugar levels. To help your body get rid of excess sugar, you can:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Cut back on foods and drinks that are high in sugar or starch
  • Do regular light exercise, such as walking for 30 minutes a day

In the long term, blood sugar levels can be managed by:

  • Increasing your intake of fiber and protein
  • Reducing foods that are high in calories, saturated fat, sugar, and salt
  • Eating more fruits and vegetables
  • Managing stress properly
  • Getting enough sleep and rest
  • Checking your blood sugar levels regularly

 

Sweet foods and drinks can make you feel happy, but too much sugar can actually cause mood swings and increase the risk of weight gain.

If you have questions about food or nutrition, you can consult a doctor or use the consultation feature in the Ai Care app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Play Store.

 

Looking for more information about other diseases? Click here!

Writer : Ratih AI Care
Editor :
  • dr Hanifa Rahma
Last Updated : Monday, 17 November 2025 | 23:15

Reelant, J. (2024). 12 Potential Signs You’re Overdoing It on Sugar. Available from: https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/potential-signs-youre-eating-too-much-sugar/

Wheeler, R. (2025). 12 Ways Too Much Sugar Harms Your Body. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/ss/slideshow-diabetes-too-much-sugar

Kubala, J. (2022). 11 Reasons Why Too Much Sugar Is Bad for You. Available from:  https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/too-much-sugar