How Temperature Rise Puts Vulnerable Groups’ Health at Risk

High temperatures are causing Americans to consume more sugar in the form of sodas, sweetened drinks, and frozen desserts such as ice cream and gelato — potentially worsening public health issues, a new study warns.

The research, titled “Rising temperatures increase added sugar intake disproportionately in disadvantaged groups in the USA“, was published in Nature on 8 September 2025. It found that added sugar intake rises alongside temperature, particularly between 12°C and 30°C, at a rate of approximately 0.70 grams per degree Celsius per person per day. Consumption then slows above 30°C, likely due to suppressed appetite in extreme heat.

The increase was mainly linked to sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) such as soft drinks and fruit juices, as well as frozen desserts like ice cream and frozen yoghurts.

Disadvantaged groups are most affected

Researchers analysed data from between 40,000 and 60,000 US households, collected annually from 2004 to 2019. They examined how weather patterns influenced food purchasing habits and how consumption varied across socio-economic and geographical factors.

Their findings revealed that lower-income and less educated households were significantly more likely to increase their consumption of sugary drinks and desserts during hot weather than higher-income groups. The study suggests this may be due to limited access to healthier cooling options or targeted marketing and promotions during heatwaves.

The authors also projected future consumption under various climate scenarios to highlight the potential health policy implications for nutrition and climate adaptation planning.

Health risks and policy recommendations

Projections indicate that climate change could worsen health risks associated with excessive sugar consumption, including obesity, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. These risks are exceptionally high among individuals already consuming more than the recommended 10% of daily calories from added sugar, or nearly 20% as per the American Heart Association’s guidelines.

The study emphasises the need for stronger national policies to curb sugar consumption, particularly from sugary beverages, and to address nutrition inequalities that are likely to worsen under climate change.

Recommendations include:

• Targeted interventions for vulnerable, low-income populations during warmer periods.
• Enhanced nutrition education programmes to raise awareness of the risks.
• Clearer food and drink labelling to help consumers make informed decisions.
• Industry-led innovation to create and promote lower-sugar alternatives.

The researchers stress that these findings are relevant not only to the United States but also to countries worldwide that face similar challenges in balancing rising temperatures, food choices, and health inequalities.

Read the full study

Rising temperatures increase added sugar intake disproportionately in disadvantaged groups in the USA – published in Nature (2025).