This document discusses the rise of obesity in the United States and the role of sugar, particularly high fructose corn syrup. It notes that obesity rates rose significantly after the introduction of HFCS into the American diet in the 1970s. Fructose metabolism places more burden on the liver than glucose and is more readily converted into fat. The overconsumption of added sugars, especially fructose, can interfere with appetite regulation and lead to weight gain. Common processed foods contain large amounts of added sugars like HFCS that contribute to excessive calorie intake and various health issues like diabetes and heart disease. Cutting soft drink consumption has been shown to help limit childhood obesity.