Why do some people continue to gain weight even after eliminating fast food and sugary soft drinks from their diets? According to Roman Terushkin, an endocrinologist and nutritionist, the answer may lie in some products that are widely marketed as healthy.
In a post on Threads, Terushkin identified three popular health foods that he said he personally avoids, arguing that they often contain hidden sugars or highly processed ingredients that can undermine healthy eating habits.
Sweetened drinkable yogurt
Terushkin’s first example is flavored drinkable yogurt.
He said many varieties contain the equivalent of about five teaspoons of added sugar, which, in his view, outweighs the potential benefits of probiotic cultures.
«In this case, the benefits of probiotics are largely negated because the added sugar feeds harmful microorganisms rather than supporting a healthy gut microbiome,» he wrote, adding that excessive sugar consumption may contribute to bloating and other digestive issues.
Oat milk
The second product on his list is oat milk.
Terushkin described it as «liquid bread,» arguing that processing oats converts much of their starch into simple sugars that can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels.
According to him, some commercially produced oat milks also contain refined vegetable oils, which he believes make them less nutritious than consumers may expect.
Granola and fitness bars
The third product is cereal-based granola or «fitness» bars.
Terushkin said these products are often marketed as healthy snacks despite frequently containing glucose syrup, molasses or other added sweeteners near the top of their ingredient lists.
According to him, regular consumption of such products may increase cravings for sweets and make it more difficult to regulate appetite.
Watch added sugar, expert says
Terushkin noted that many health organizations recommend limiting added sugar intake to about 25 grams per day for adults.
He said a breakfast consisting of a sweetened drinkable yogurt and a granola bar can reach or exceed that amount before midday.
