Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to speak with Fox News Digital about how sugar impacts aging in ways that go far beyond weight gain. I’ve spent the past several years focused on bridging the gap between emerging longevity research and clinical practice. In this interview, I wanted to highlight the deeper biological story—how sugar affects the fundamental systems that preserve our healthspan.
Sugar and Biological Wear-and-Tear
When we think of sugar, most people jump straight to calories or weight gain. But the story is more insidious. Chronically elevated sugar acts like a molecular accelerant for aging. One of the key mechanisms I discussed is glycation, a process where sugar molecules bind to proteins and lipids, forming advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). These compounds stiffen our blood vessels, damage the collagen in our skin, and impair the structural integrity of tissues throughout the body.
But the consequences go far deeper than skin-deep. Glycation also disrupts intracellular signaling, promotes inflammation, and accelerates the aging of organs—including the brain.
Collagen, Vasculature, and Brain Aging
In the interview, I emphasized how excessive sugar compromises three major pillars of longevity: collagen, vascular health, and brain function. Collagen breakdown contributes to visible aging, yes—but it also impairs wound healing and tissue regeneration. Meanwhile, glycation and hyperglycemia contribute to endothelial dysfunction, harming our blood vessels and limiting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients. This has downstream effects on everything from kidney function to cognition.
On the neurological side, chronic sugar intake contributes to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction—two key drivers of neurodegeneration. There’s growing evidence that metabolic dysfunction in the brain is an early warning sign for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Hormonal and Metabolic Disruption
Another point I raised is how repeated glucose and insulin spikes can dysregulate hormones that are essential to sleep, mood, and energy metabolism. When these systems are chronically stressed, we see a cascade of effects—poor sleep, impaired glucose tolerance, increased visceral fat—that compound aging across multiple domains.
The Longevity Takeaway
My message to the public is that sugar, when consumed in excess, is not just a dietary indulgence—it’s a molecular stressor. Unlike acute toxins, it doesn’t cause immediate damage, but over years or decades it steadily erodes the biological foundations of long-term health. The good news is that small changes can have an outsized effect. Swapping sugary drinks for water, being aware of hidden sugars in processed foods, and favoring whole foods over refined snacks—these are not just dietary tips; they are longevity strategies.
You can read the full Fox News article here: Sugar intake is linked to faster aging, wrinkles and brain health decline, experts say | Fox News