The question of how many deaths a year does sugar cause is complex because sugar is not listed as a primary cause of death on death certificates. Instead, its harm is insidious, contributing to the development of chronic, often fatal, diseases over time. The figures that exist are estimates derived from epidemiological studies that correlate high sugar intake with increased mortality from related health conditions. This article breaks down the pathways through which excessive sugar consumption contributes to a global health crisis and an estimated death toll that continues to climb.
The Indirect Killers: Chronic Diseases Fuelled by Sugar
Excessive sugar intake, particularly from added sugars and sugary beverages, creates a cascade of metabolic issues that drive the development of several deadly chronic diseases. These conditions are the real, documented causes of mortality that are significantly influenced by a high-sugar diet.
Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is one of the most direct and deadly consequences of a diet high in added sugars. Over time, high sugar intake leads to insulin resistance, forcing the body to produce more and more insulin to regulate blood sugar. Eventually, the body can no longer keep up, resulting in type 2 diabetes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2021, diabetes was the direct cause of 1.6 million deaths globally. An observational study found that people with diabetes have a threefold higher risk of liver-related mortality than non-diabetics, with poor glycemic control identified as a key risk factor.
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
CVD remains the leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 19.8 million deaths in 2022. Excessive sugar consumption contributes to several major risk factors for CVD, including obesity, high blood pressure, inflammation, and high triglyceride levels. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that individuals who derived 17-21% of their daily calories from added sugar had a 38% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than those who consumed 8% or less. This risk doubled for those consuming 21% or more of their calories from added sugar.
Obesity
While not always a direct cause of death, obesity significantly increases the risk of premature death and disability due to its link with other non-communicable diseases. Sugary beverages, in particular, are strongly associated with weight gain and obesity, as they provide high calories with little nutritional value and do not induce the same feeling of fullness as solid food. A 2015 analysis estimated that sugary drinks alone may have been responsible for 184,000 deaths from chronic diseases in 2010. The WHO reports that a higher-than-optimal body mass index (BMI) caused an estimated 3.7 million deaths from non-communicable diseases in 2021.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
High consumption of fructose—a common added sugar—is a primary contributor to NAFLD. When consumed in excess, fructose is metabolized by the liver and can be converted into fat, leading to fat accumulation in liver tissue. Untreated NAFLD can progress to more serious conditions like cirrhosis and liver cancer, with significant mortality implications. A study in the journal Gastroenterology found that women who consumed at least one sugary beverage daily had significantly higher risks of developing liver cancer and chronic liver disease (CLD)-related mortality.
The Problem with Sugary Drinks
Studies consistently single out sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) as a particularly dangerous source of added sugar. A 2025 study highlighted that SSBs were responsible for approximately 338,000 deaths in 2020 through their link with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The American Institute for Cancer Research also estimated that SSBs could lead to 184,000 deaths from cancer and other chronic diseases. The liquid nature of these drinks means they are absorbed rapidly, causing sharp spikes in blood sugar and providing "empty calories" that do not satisfy hunger.
Understanding the Mortality Pathways: A Comparison of Health Risks
To grasp the complexity of sugar's impact on mortality, it's helpful to compare the different pathways through which it causes harm.
| Health Risk | Mechanism of Harm | Mortality Link | Key WHO/IDF Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 Diabetes | High sugar leads to insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose over time. | Direct cause of 1.6 million deaths in 2021; risk factors include poor diet. | Diabetes directly caused 1.6 million deaths in 2021. |
| Cardiovascular Disease | Contributes to inflammation, high blood pressure, and unhealthy cholesterol levels. | Increased risk of fatal heart attacks and strokes. | Accounts for 32% of all global deaths in 2022. |
| Obesity | High-calorie, low-satiety sugary beverages lead to weight gain. | Increases the risk of other fatal chronic diseases, including diabetes and CVD. | Caused an estimated 3.7 million deaths from non-communicable diseases in 2021. |
| Fatty Liver Disease | High fructose consumption converts to fat, accumulating in the liver. | Can progress to life-threatening cirrhosis and liver cancer. | High SSB intake is linked to higher risk of liver cancer and CLD-related mortality. |
Reducing Your Sugar Intake and Mitigating Risk
While the statistics are sobering, the good news is that reducing your sugar consumption is a powerful step toward a healthier and longer life.
Here are some actionable steps you can take:
- Eliminate sugary beverages: Replace sodas, energy drinks, and fruit juices with water, unsweetened tea, or naturally flavored water. This is arguably the most impactful change you can make.
- Read nutrition labels: Added sugars often appear under many names. Look for ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, sucrose, dextrose, and corn syrup solids.
- Choose whole foods: Whole fruits, which contain fiber, are a much healthier alternative to fruit juice. Fiber helps slow down sugar absorption and provides essential nutrients.
- Cook at home: Cooking more of your meals allows you to control the amount of sugar added to your food. Many pre-packaged and restaurant meals contain excessive hidden sugars.
- Rethink dessert: Instead of sugary pastries and candies, opt for healthier treats. Fresh fruit, a small square of dark chocolate, or a bowl of berries and yogurt can satisfy a sweet tooth without the health risks.
Conclusion: A Clear Link, Not a Direct Cause
The question of how many deaths a year does sugar cause cannot be answered with a single number, but the scientific evidence clearly establishes a strong, indirect link between excessive sugar consumption and increased mortality. This harm is mediated through chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and liver disease. The most concentrated and damaging form of sugar is found in beverages, and reducing their consumption is one of the most effective public health strategies available. By making conscious choices to limit added and free sugars and focusing on a diet rich in whole foods, individuals can significantly lower their risk of these preventable, life-threatening conditions. For more information on cardiovascular disease risk factors, you can visit the World Heart Federation's resources.
