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By Dr. Liji Thomas, MD Reviewed by Benedette Cuffari, M.Sc. Dec 12 2024

Researchers uncover varying links between added sugar sources—like sweetened drinks, treats, and toppings—and risks for conditions such as heart failure, stroke, and aneurysms.

Study:  Added sugar intake and its associations with incidence of seven different cardiovascular diseases in 69,705 Swedish men and women. Image Credit: Sorapop Udomsri / Shutterstock.com

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of disease and death in Europe. Multiple studies support the association between CVD and unhealthy dietary habits; however, the impact of added sugar and different types of CVD remains unclear.

A recent study published in Frontiers in Public Health examines the risk of seven different types of CVDs associated with added and free sugar in foods and beverages. The regulation of sugar intake

The incorporation of sugar into food products can cause consumers to overeat high-calorie, nutrient-empty foods at the cost of nutritious foods. Furthermore, added sugar increases the risk of tooth decay and weight gain.

Nordic guidelines recommend that less than 10% of total energy intake is provided by added and free sugar, including sugars naturally occurring in fruit juice concentrates, fruit juices, honey, and syrups. Likewise, both the American and World Health Organizations recommend less than 10% added and free sugar intake, respectively.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) points to evidence that the risk of cardiometabolic disease rises with increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Moderately strong evidence for obesity and high blood cholesterol levels with increased added and free sugar intake has also been reported.

Despite these observations, it remains unclear whether added and free sugar intake is directly associated with an increased risk of CVD. Moreover, the association with overall CVD risk does not correlate with the risk for individual cardiovascular conditions due to contradictory findings. Most studies that have examined this association have relied on a single measurement of added sugar consumption for their analyses and lack long-term follow-up data. About the study

The current study examines how the consumption of added sugar, sugar-sweetened foods (SSFs), and SSBs is associated with the risk of ischemic stroke (IS), hemorrhagic stroke (HS), myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF), aortic stenosis (AS), atrial fibrillation (AF), and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Related StoriesBaycrest study discovers role of thalamus in post-stroke recoveryWomen skip post-stroke medications more often than men, study revealsStudy highlights disparities in stroke costs across healthcare services in Latin America

The study included 69,705 individuals in two Swedish cohorts. Data on added sugar intake (ASI) were collected in 1997 and 2009 in over 60% of study participants. The average body mass index (BMI) was 25.3 kg/m2, with a mean age of 59.9 years.

SSFs were classified as treats such as pastries, ice cream, and chocolates or toppings like marmalades, jams, sugar, and honey. SSBs included sweetened sodas and fruit drinks, excluding pure fruit juices.

The mean ASI was 9.1% of energy intake (E%) in 1997. Being male, doing more exercise, and having less education were associated with greater ASI, along with older age and higher energy intake. Low-to-moderate added sugar intake

After compensating for the effects of age, sex, and energy intake, ASI was associated with all seven CVDs; however, these associations were weakened after adjusting for lifestyle factors, BMI, and diet.

The highest category of ASI, over 20 E%, was associated with a 31% increased risk of AAA compared to the lowest intake category of five E% or less. At over 15-20 E%, the risk of IS was 9% higher.

For most outcomes, the lowest ASI was associated with the highest risk. The risk for most CVDs was lowest at 5-7.5 E%. Thus, MI, AF, IS, HF, and AS risks were reduced by 5-9% in this category compared to the lowest intake.

With ASI exceeding 7.5-10 E%, the risk of HF and AF was reduced by 6% and 4%, respectively. At over 10-15 E%, the risk of HF, AF, and AS decreased by 5%, 4% and 17% respectively. Higher ASI was associated with a greater AAA and IS risk among obese individuals, whereas higher HF risk was observed in normal-weight individuals. SSB intake

SSB intake was linearly associated with the risk of IS, HF, AF, and AAA. Consuming over eight SSB servings each week increased AF, IS, HF, and AAA risk by 11%, 18%, 19%, and 31%, respectively.

Analysis of the 2009 survey indicated an increased risk of IS and HF with greater artificially sweetened beverage consumption but not SSBs. This could be due to the small sample size for sweetened beverages, as current literature indicates a positive correlation of SSBs with increased CVD risk. SSF consumption

The lowest CVD risk was observed in the highest treat intake category, whereas the highest risk was observed among those who consumed two or fewer treats each week.

Although the mechanism remains unclear, this association might be due to better social health. In Sweden, coffee and pastries are part of fika, customary social gatherings, and may not indicate an overall unhealthy lifestyle.

Topping intake showed a mixed pattern, as those who consumed toppings had a 10% reduced risk of HF as compared to the lowest intake category. AS risk was reduced by 14-20% with increasing ASI, whereas AAA risk increased by 34%. Conclusions

The study findings do not support lowering the recommendations for added sugar intake to below five E%.”

A low to moderate intake of added sugar is associated with lower CVD risk at 5-7.5 E% as compared to either over five E% or 10 E%. Both the sugar source and the studied clinical outcome affect the nature and direction of the association.

Future studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms involved in these associations and the role of body weight. Furthermore, confounding factors like sodium intake, an independent CVD risk predictor, should also be considered. Journal reference: Janzi, S., Gonzalez-Padilla, E., Ramne, S., et al. (2024). Added sugar intake and its associations with incidence of seven different cardiovascular diseases in 69,705 Swedish men and women. Frontiers in Public Health. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2024.1452085.

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Thousands of families remain in Gaza City as Israeli army advances

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Thousands of families remain in Gaza City as Israeli army advances

As the Israeli army advances on Gaza City, thousands of families remain in the city’s crowded tent camps.

Sky News analysis of satellite imagery taken on Monday 15 September shows tent camps stretching across the western half of the city.

A close-up view shows one camp spilling out on to the city’s beaches.

Tents on the Gaza City beachfront on 15 September 2025. Pic: Planet Labs PBC
Image:
Tents on the Gaza City beachfront on 15 September 2025. Pic: Planet Labs PBC

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) launched its ground assault overnight on Tuesday 16 September, in what the military said was a “new phase” in its offensive.

“Gaza is burning,” defence minister Israel Katz posted on X as the operation began. “IDF soldiers are fighting bravely to create the conditions for the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas.”

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper described the offensive as “utterly reckless and appalling”, adding that it “will only bring more bloodshed, kill more innocent civilians & endanger the remaining hostages”.

Footage verified by Sky News shows Israeli tanks entering the Gaza Strip from the north overnight on Tuesday.

Israeli soldiers later filmed themselves in an area just north of Gaza City.

Satellite imagery taken a day earlier shows that while some tent camps in the area have been abandoned in the past few days, many others have not.

The IDF advance comes after an intense week of airstrikes targeting buildings in Gaza City. Sky News has verified dozens of videos showing strikes on buildings across the city.

Several of these strikes destroyed entire tower blocks, such as this strike on Al Ghafari Tower.

At least 50 people were killed across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, health officials said, most of them in Gaza City.

The IDF said it estimated 40% of people in Gaza City had fled south, while Hamas said that only 190,000 out of 1.3 million residents had left (15%).

An evacuation order for the entire city was first issued on 9 September, with a map on 13 September instructing Palestinians to flee to what Israel has designated a “humanitarian area” along a stretch of sandy coastline known as Al Mawasi.

Satellite imagery from Sunday 14 September shows that the area is already crowded with tents.

Tents in the IDF-designated Al Mawasi humanitarian zone on 14 September 2025. Pic: Planet Labs PBC
Image:
Tents in the IDF-designated Al Mawasi humanitarian zone on 14 September 2025. Pic: Planet Labs PBC

Last week, the UN’s Gaza humanitarian country team said that “neither the size nor scale of services provided is fit to support those already there, let alone new arrivals”.

Those fleeing south face a journey of at least 15km (9.3 miles), much of it through Israeli-designated combat zones. Local health officials said at least one vehicle travelling south from Gaza City had been hit by an Israeli strike.

Among those staying put on Tuesday was Um Mohammad, who lives in the Sabra neighbourhood of Gaza City.

“It is like escaping from death towards death, so we are not leaving,” she said.

The IDF says the next stage of the operation will involve both air and ground forces, and that the number of soldiers involved will increase over the coming days.

Additional reporting by Sam Doak, OSINT producer.


The Data and Forensics team is a multi-skilled unit dedicated to providing transparent journalism from Sky News. We gather, analyse and visualise data to tell data-driven stories. We combine traditional reporting skills with advanced analysis of satellite images, social media and other open source information. Through multimedia storytelling we aim to better explain the world while also showing how our journalism is done.

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Tyler Robinson charged with murder of Charlie Kirk – and prosecutors seek death penalty

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Tyler Robinson charged with murder of Charlie Kirk - and prosecutors seek death penalty

Tyler Robinson has been charged with the murder of right-wing US influencer Charlie Kirk.

The 22-year-old, from Washington, Utah, was charged with aggravated murder, weapon, and obstruction of justice offences ahead of a court appearance later on Tuesday.

Prosecutors said they would seek the death penalty and that Robinson’s DNA was found on the trigger of the alleged murder weapon.

A note was also found under his keyboard which said: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it,” according to a charging document from prosecutors.

It is also alleged that the suspect ordered his roommate to delete “incriminating texts” about the killing and to stay silent if questioned by police.

When his roommate texted to ask if he was the “one who did it”, Robinson replied: “I am, I’m sorry,” prosecutors allege.

Robinson is said to have written in another text: “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out.”

He also allegedly wrote he had been planning the shooting for just over a week.

Tyler Robinson. Pic: Utah Governor's Office
Image:
Tyler Robinson. Pic: Utah Governor’s Office

Kirk, 31, was killed at one of his rallies at Utah Valley University last Wednesday.

The political activist, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, died after being shot in the neck with a bullet.

County attorney Jeff Gray said “aggravating factors” in the killing included that the “defendant is believed to have targeted Charlie Kirk based on his political expression and did so knowing children were present and would witness the homicide”.

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The obstruction of justice charges relate to allegations that Robinson disposed of the weapon used in the killing, along with clothing he is said to have worn at the time.

Robinson has been held without bail since his arrest.

Investigators have spoken to Robinson’s relatives and have carried out a search at his family home, 240 miles (385km) southwest of where the shooting took place.

Charlie Kirk moments before he was shot. Pic: Reuters/Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune
Image:
Charlie Kirk moments before he was shot. Pic: Reuters/Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune

Mr Gray said Robinson had accused Kirk of “spreading hate” during a conversation with his father. He also allegedly described the university as a “stupid venue” for the influencer to hold an event.

After the shooting, the county attorney said the suspect confessed to his parents after they confronted him, telling them he shot Kirk because “there is too much evil in the guy”.

Robinson’s mother told police that her son had become more political and had “started to lean more to the left” in the past year or so, Mr Gray said.

He added that the 22-year-old had become more “pro-gay and trans-rights oriented”, according to his parents.

His mother said he had started to date his roommate, who was “transitioning genders”, prompting “discussions” with his father who had very different political views.

Robinson allegedly wrote in another message to his roommate that “since Trump got into office [my father] has been pretty diehard Maga”.

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FBI director Kash Patel shouts at Democrat senators over Charlie Kirk and Jeffrey Epstein during oversight hearing

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FBI director Kash Patel shouts at Democrat senators over Charlie Kirk and Jeffrey Epstein during oversight hearing

The FBI director has shouted at Democratic senators during a hearing, taking questions on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Jeffrey Epstein and the firing of agents.

Kash Patel was testifying before a Senate Judiciary Committee for the first oversight hearing of his tenure as director of the US federal law enforcement bureau.

During the hearing on Tuesday, Mr Patel defended the FBI’s handling of the investigation into the killing of Mr Kirk, as well as his social media post saying that a suspect had been arrested, before that person was ultimately released.

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“Could I have been more careful in my verbiage and included ‘a’ subject instead of ‘the’ subject? Sure,” he said of the post.

Democratic senator Cory Booker opened his questioning by accusing Patel of lying about firing FBI agents out of retribution for political investigations.

Five FBI agents and top-level executives were known to have been summarily fired last month, according to the Associated Press.

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Booker accused Patel of making the US 'weaker and less safe'. Pic: AP
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Booker accused Patel of making the US ‘weaker and less safe’. Pic: AP

Mr Booker said that the director “pushed out senior FBI agents with decades of knowledge and experience”, and added: “You’ve shifted the agency’s priorities primarily to pursuing Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda.

“I believe you have made our country weaker and less safe.”

Mr Patel responded that “you don’t get to say that America is not safer under this leadership”, and said that Mr Booker’s “rant of false information does not bring this country together”, prompting the Democrat to raise his voice.

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The two then shouted at each other before committee chair and Republican senator Chuck Grassley banged his gavel to interrupt them.

“I’ve watched him talk over us, and you’ve never once criticised him for us,” Mr Booker said to the chair as he got up to leave the room. “He has been really disrespectful to senator after senator.”

Mr Patel also clashed with Adam Schiff over Jeffrey Epstein. Pic: AP
Image:
Mr Patel also clashed with Adam Schiff over Jeffrey Epstein. Pic: AP

Mr Patel also clashed with Democratic Senator Adam Schiff, who questioned the FBI and Trump administration’s handling of questions relating to the deceased paedophile financier Epstein.

The director accused him of “the biggest fraud to ever sit in the United States Senate” as they shouted at each other, and said “you are a political buffoon, at best”.

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Mr Patel, a former lawyer who has been accused of spreading conspiracy theories, was controversially nominated to be the FBI director by US President Donald Trump last year.

He was narrowly confirmed by the Senate in a 51-49 vote in February. Two Republicans voted against his nomination.

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