Aside from the dangers of acquiring non-communicable illnesses, excessive consumption of sugary foods and beverages has been associated with the development of skin tags and premature wrinkles, as noted by endocrinologists.

These specialists, who deal with disorders related to hormones and endocrine glands, have highlighted that excessive sugar intake does not only impact the skin but also plays a role in the emergence of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, metabolic disorders, obesity, and certain types of cancers.

The breakdown of essential proteins such as collagen and elastin, crucial for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity, is a known consequence of excess sugar intake, according to their research.

Skin tags, which are benign growths commonly found on areas like eyelids, neck, and arms, are a well-documented outcome of such dietary choices. Medical experts explain that the accumulation of collagen and blood vessels in specific regions of the skin leads to their formation.

Furthermore, factors like diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, when coupled with a diet high in sugar, can further worsen the problem. In its warning, the World Health Organization flags the evident connection between overconsumption of sugar and the rise in non-communicable illnesses including obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases.

To mitigate these health risks, the WHO advocates for reducing daily sugar intake. Dr. Adamu Bakari, a Professor of Medicine at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Kaduna State, emphasizes that excessive sugar intake results in the accumulation of surplus calories in the body, promoting obesity.

This excess weight places strain on the joints, causing gradual deterioration over time. Dr. Bakari further explains that weight gain stretches the skin, compromising its quality and leading to the eventual appearance of wrinkles, while skin tags tend to manifest at an earlier stage.

The Chief Medical Director of the Modibo Adamu University, Yola, Adamawa State, mentioned, “Excess sugar is stored in the form of fat and when fat is deposited beyond normal, one starts gaining weight. This is what we call obesity. Obesity leads to many other things, and one basic thing it causes is insulin resistance, which means the body requires higher amounts of insulin to respond to the absence of insulin.

“Insulin is a hormone that is active in virtually all tissues and organs in the body and so by the time there is excess of it, skin tags that are blackish may start to appear, mainly because of insulin resistance.

“These will also lead to early ageing because virtually all the systems have been stretched by taking more than what one requires.

“But if you’re taking it (sugar) in excess and using exercise to burn it off, the effects will be less. But in our setting, those that take so much sugar also take in something else as sugar that is added as sweeteners. Most people who take them hardly exercise and these are people who are usually sedentary, so the effect will be obvious over time.

“The shrinking will be there, almost all the complications of insulin resistance will also come and they will start having joint pains because they will now have a higher weight to carry on their joints, so the wear and tear of the joints occurs faster.”

The endocrinologist highlighted that excessive sugar intake could also prompt the development of solidified deposits of digestive fluids in the gallbladder, a condition known as gallstones.

A member of the Endocrine and Metabolism Society of Nigeria commended the proposed implementation of a sugar tax, suggesting that it could help deter the consumption of sugary food and drinks.

He also expressed concern over the prevailing misunderstandings and societal perception linking sugary foods with social status, advocating for the adoption of healthier lifestyles to alleviate the burden on healthcare systems.

Adding to the discussion, a Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology at Bayero University in Kano State affirmed that an overabundance of sugar intake has detrimental effects on skin health, contributing to premature aging and an increase in the occurrence of skin tags.

He emphasized that excessive sugar consumption is also associated with a heightened risk of various diseases such as diabetes, metabolic disorders, obesity, and certain cancers.

The professor, who serves as the National First Vice President of the Endocrine and Metabolism Society of Nigeria, highlighted that vital proteins like collagen and elastin, essential for maintaining skin integrity and elasticity, are prone to deterioration due to excessive sugar intake.

This deterioration can lead to various skin problems like darkening, wrinkling, skin tags, and loss of firmness.

The don stated, “Studies have shown that with excess intake of sugar, the basic structure of the skin is altered. The skin serves so many important functions; as an object of beauty, an object that prevents the inside of the body from external aggression of adverse weather conditions, irritants, pollutants and obnoxious agents.

“It is also a source of barrier that prevents excess loss of body fluid and prevents infections that can ordinarily enter the skin to cause problems. The skin also serves a very important role in preventing the body from breaking down rapidly. If you need to maintain skin health and prevent ageing, then sugar consumption must be seriously cut down.

“The basic structure that holds the skin together, gives it glamour, attraction, beauty and capacity to serve the listed function can be broken down by excess intake of sugar. Collagen and elastin are the basic structure.

“There is the onset of chemical products that are formed as a result of sugar consumption, which increases the level of stress that the skin handles. In medical terms, we say it increases oxidative stress. We say that if you take excess sugar, those sugar molecules can attach to vital proteins that form the elements of the skin and these proteins are necessary to serve all the functions earlier listed.”

He observed that the integrity of the skin is compromised by sugar molecules triggering the degradation of vital proteins, resulting in heightened pigmentation, wrinkles, and occasionally the development of skin tags.

The Endocrinologist further explained that consuming excessive amounts of sugar contributes to obesity, which in turn can lead to skin sagging following weight loss or modifications in one’s lifestyle.

“That is why you see someone that is 40 years old looking like a 60-year-old because of unhealthy eating habits. When we talk about healthy eating, excess sugar consumption is a very good example of unhealthy eating and an unhealthy lifestyle,” he declared.

Uloko, a Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano State, advised parents to restrict the amount of sugar their children consume, emphasizing that excessive intake can result in lasting health effects.

As a former National First Vice President of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria, Uloko encouraged people to embrace nutritious diets and engage in regular physical activities.

Additionally, he emphasized the importance of avoiding sugary drinks and fatty foods while recommending routine medical examinations to promptly identify and prevent potential health issues.