An analysis of two large studies in New Zealand has found that sugar intake does not correlate with obesity. Sugar intake was primarily from beverages. Previous studies have shown that total caloric intake is strongly associated with weight gain.

There was an inverse relationship between sugar intake and obesity, with the obese consuming the least sugar. This may be due to multiple factors including: preferance for high fat foods, use of artificial sweeteners and diet adherence.

The study also found that as sugar intake increased, fat intake decreased proportionatly, so total caloric intake was unaffected.

PMID: 17888201