What is a significant impact of a high-sugar diet on health?

A high-sugar diet significantly contributes to weight gain and increases the risk of diabetes due to several physiological mechanisms. When excessive sugar is consumed, the body tends to store the surplus as fat. This can lead to obesity, which is a known risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. High sugar intake can also result in insulin resistance, where the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, further complicating blood sugar regulation and raising the likelihood of diabetes.

Moreover, diets high in sugar often replace more nutritious foods and can lead to imbalances in energy intake versus energy expenditure, making it harder for individuals to maintain a healthy weight. Chronic consumption of high-sugar foods may also lead to metabolic changes that exacerbate these conditions.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of a high-sugar diet. Improved energy levels typically arise from balanced nutrition, not excessive sugar that can lead to energy crashes. Increased muscle mass and enhanced cognitive function are usually associated with appropriate levels of protein and overall nutrient intake, not high-sugar diets.