Gary Brecka discusses the Sweet Truth Act signed by Eric Adams, stating that people are addicted to the way sugar affects their emotions.

In late 2021, Mayor Eric Adams signed the Sweet Truth Act, which mandates that chain restaurants prominently display warnings next to menu items with high levels of added sugar. Starting this month, restaurants that sell prepackaged food will be fined for each violation if they do not comply.

In New York City, after years of advocacy for sugar legislation, Mayor Adams signed a bill into law that mandates chain restaurants with 15 or more locations to display a black and white spoon on food and drink items containing over 50 grams of added sugar, along with a warning.

Gary Brecka, human biologist and co-founder of 10x Health Systems, stated in a video interview with Planet Chronicle Digital that he is a fan of the legislation because it is not restricting its distribution.

"I dislike government interference in my food choices, but I support informed consent as a fundamental principle of modern medicine."

The American Cancer Society defines informed consent as the "communication process between you and your healthcare provider that typically results in agreement or permission for care, treatment, or services."

Brecka issued a clear warning on foods with high sugar content, enabling consumers to decide whether to indulge or not.

Rewritten sentence: The following items have a high added sugar content, which can contribute to type 2 diabetes and weight gain if consumed in excess. Warning: Some of these items have more added sugar than the recommended daily limit of 50g for a 2,000 calorie diet.

"Brecka stated that she likes the legislation because it enhances the consumer's choices, similar to a warning on a cigarette pack."

If restaurants do not include warnings on their menus and menu boards, they may face a civil penalty of up to $200 per violation.

From June 19, 2024, prepackaged food and drink items will be subject to rules. Other food items will require warnings starting Dec. 1, 2024.

Brecka stated that the general public is unaware of the dangers posed by these foods.

Major companies such as Starbucks, McDonald's, and Dunkin' Donuts will be affected by the rule.

No response was received from the companies when Planet Chronicle Digital contacted them about the potential effects of the Sweet Truth Act on their businesses.

The recommended added sugar intake per day for a 2,000 calorie diet is 50 grams, but many Americans consume more than this during their commute to work.

"I'm tired, so I go to Starbucks and get a coffee and a highly refined sugar item. This gives me a short-term boost, but it has consequences. Soon after leaving Starbucks, I'm hungry again."

According to the Cleveland Clinic, processed foods are said to induce the release of dopamine, causing consumers to become addicted and crave more.

Brecka advises against completely eliminating indulgence but suggests consuming a dessert after dinner to facilitate the absorption of proteins and healthy fats.

"We should save dessert for the end of the day," he suggested. "Let's treat ourselves at the end of the day. I mean, you just woke up, you don't deserve a reward."

It may come as a shock to Americans to discover the amount of sugar present in their favorite foods and beverages.

Popular menu items on Starbucks, McDonald's, and Dunkin' Donuts menus, along with their sugar content per unit.

• Dunkin' Donuts' Medium Caramel Cold Foam Cold Brew contains 45g of added sugar and a total of 50g of sugars.
• Dunkin' Donuts' Chocolate Frosted Cake Donut contains 20g of added sugar and a total of 21g of sugar.
• Éclair from Dunkin' Donuts: 22g added sugar, 23g total sugar
• Grande Caramel Frappuccino from Starbucks: N/A added sugar, 54g total sugars
• Grande Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks: N/A added sugar, 33g total sugars
• Iced Lemon Loaf from Starbucks: N/A added sugar, 39g total sugars
• Fruit 'n Yogurt Parfait from McDonald's: 23g total sugars
• Medium Coca-Cola from McDonald's: 56g total sugars
• Small McCafé Mocha from McDonald's: 42g total sugars

The Sweet Truth Act was proposed in NYC as the city faces a statewide nutrition and obesity crisis, affecting all five boroughs.

""Highly refined carbohydrates and sugars in processed foods contribute to overeating, leading to a pandemic of ultra processed food intake, obesity, and type 2 diabetes," Brecka stated."

The health crisis caused by obesity is most prevalent in the Bronx and lowest in Manhattan among adults in New York, with approximately 1 in 3 adults being obese in 2023, according to the NY State Department of Health.

The percentage of obese adults in the Bronx increased by 2.1% from 2020 to 2023, reaching a total of 34.5%.

According to NY.gov, 17.2% of Manhattan's residents were reportedly obese during the same year.

This data was up slightly from 17.1% in 2020.

At least 34.40% of Black and non-Hispanic individuals in NY state were reportedly obese from 2016-2020.

The highest obesity rates in NYC Marcoscope and Community Health Survey data were found among men aged 20 to 39 years old and women between 40 and 58 years old.

"The U.S. is the world's highest consumers of refined sugars, as proven by crystal-clear evidence, according to Brecka."

In the U.S., the average person consumes 126.4 grams of sugar daily, while Germany follows closely behind with 102.9 grams of sugar consumption daily, according to the World Population Review.

In NYC, Americans may learn to balance their daily food and added sugar intake with the rule in place.

"We can change our decisions," stated Brecka. "It's not necessary to eliminate these foods completely."