Diwali warning from Fortis liver doctor: Your sweet cravings are making you look older. Explained

Amid the festivities of Diwali, the season of sweets and celebrations, indulging in too many mithai could do more than affect your waistline. Dr. Shubham Vatsya, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist at Fortis Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, with over a decade of experience, has issued a cautionary note: excessive sugar consumption during festivities may accelerate aging. According to Dr. Vatsya, the impact goes beyond weight gain, affecting the skin’s natural elasticity and overall health.

Sugar’s Effect on Skin and Youthfulness

Dr. Vatsya explained in an Instagram post that every extra bite of dessert can affect the skin at a cellular level. Sugar in sweets enters the bloodstream and interacts with collagen and elastin, proteins responsible for maintaining skin firmness and bounce, through a process called glycation. Over time, this can cause the skin to lose its elasticity, making wrinkles appear sooner.



The doctor emphasized that people often underestimate this effect, thinking that sweets only contribute to weight gain, when in fact, the damage extends to the body’s youthful appearance.

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A post shared by Dr. Shubham Vatsya (@dr.shubhamvatsya)

Beyond the Skin: Health Risks of Overindulgence

The effects of sugar are not limited to aesthetics. Dr. Vatsya highlighted that glycation produces advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can compromise blood vessels, accelerate aging of internal organs, and increase susceptibility to serious health conditions. These include diabetes, heart disease, and even cognitive decline. He stressed that the risk is compounded when sweets become a regular part of daily consumption, rather than an occasional festive indulgence.

Making Mindful Choices This Festive Season

This Diwali, Dr. Vatsya urged people to moderate their sweet intake and be conscious of their choices. Before reaching for an extra piece of mithai, he suggested asking oneself whether they want “glow or wrinkles.” The key, he added, lies not only in the type of sweets consumed but also in the quantity. Controlling cravings, opting for healthier alternatives, and avoiding daily overindulgence can help preserve both youthful skin and long-term health.