Doctor shares would happen if you stopped eating sugar for two weeks (2025)

What happens to our bodies when we completely cut out sugar for a fortnight? You may be surprised at the answer.

It's no secret that eating too much sugar is bad for you. In fact, excessive sugar consumption can lead to various health problems, including weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, tooth decay, and potentially even mental health issues like depression and anxiety, according to Harvard Health.

But sugar is found in almost all the processed foods we eat every day, and it can seem impossible to avoid. Even some savoury foods that we wouldn't expect to be sugary can contain surprising amounts of the stuff, like ketchup, barbecue sauce, salad dressings, and even some yoghurts.

But if you did commit to quitting sugar cold turkey, what would happen to your body? An online doctor has shared the changes your body would go through if you quit sugar for two weeks.

Dr Eric Berg is a social media doctor who specialises in dietary health. With over 17 million YouTube subscribers and a million TikTok followers, he is a well-trusted source of health advice for people looking to eat healthier.

In a video on his TikTok profile, he shared what would happen if you were to quit eating sugar for fourteen days.

He said: "If you stopped eating sugar for two weeks, this is what would happen."

Here are all the changes the expert says your body would go through if you quit sugar for two weeks.

What would happen if you quit sugar for a fortnight?

Less food cravings and weight loss

The expert said: "You'll be able to go longer without food. You're going to have a lot more energy, because now you're body's tapping into your fat reserves to produce its energy."

Health.com explains that reducing sugar intake can decrease your overall calorie consumption.

This can potentially lead to weight loss or better weight management, as sugary foods are often high in calories but lack essential nutrients, making them less filling and potentially contributing to overeating.

Improved mental health

Dr Berg continued: "If you were depressed or had anxiety, you're going to feel more 'up'".

It's true that eliminating or significantly reducing your sugar intake can positively impact your mental health by improving mood, cognitive function, and potentially reducing the risk of depression and anxiety, says Harvard Health.

Whereas excessive sugar consumption, particularly of refined sugars, has been linked to various mental health issues.

Better focus

The expert said: "You're going to think better, and have more focus and concentration."

While eating sugar can initially provide a short-term boost in alertness, it often leads to energy crashes and decreased focus, says Benenden Health.

Reducing sugar intake can help stabilise blood sugar levels, improve cognitive function, and potentially enhance memory.

Less inflammation and pain

The health guru said: "You're going to notice that throughout your body, there's going to be a lot less inflammation and pain."

Indeed, excessive sugar consumption has been linked to increased inflammation in the body, while limiting sugar intake can help reduce existing inflammation and prevent new inflammation.

Improved skin

Dr Berg said: " You're going to notice your skin is just a lot better. It will have that healthy glow.

Healthline says reducing or eliminating sugar from your diet can contribute to clearer, more youthful skin, while high sugar intake can lead to inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and the breakdown of collagen, all of which can negatively impact skin health.