Why is a sugary soda often classified as 'fattening' despite not being inherently high in the fat nutrient?
It delivers high calories from easily digestible carbohydrates with minimal satiety
The categorization of a sugary soda as 'fattening' illustrates that the term relates to caloric delivery and behavioral impact, not just the presence of the fat macronutrient. Sugary sodas are problematic because they often provide hundreds of calories derived predominantly from rapidly absorbed sugars, which are carbohydrates. These drinks typically lack fiber and substantial protein, meaning they provide very little satiety, or the feeling of fullness. Consequently, an individual can easily ingest a large surplus of energy very quickly without feeling satisfied, which directly encourages the overconsumption that leads to excess energy storage as adipose tissue.
