Does Candy Make You Gain Weight?

Written by Sara Ipatenco

19 August, 2013

Don't panic that the occasional piece of candy or chocolate bar will cause you to pack on the pounds. Though candy has almost no nutritional value, the only way to gain weight is to eat more calories than you burn. Candy can certainly contribute to weight gain, but the more serious problem is the amount of sugar the sweet treats contain. Added sugar plays a role in weight gain, but it's dangerous to your overall health and well-being, too.

The Science of Weight Gain

As long as you're burning the calories that you consume each day, you'll maintain your weight. If, however, you starting consuming more calories than you're able to burn, you'll start to gain weight. That applies to any type of food, even healthy ones. If, for example, the bulk of your calorie intake is from something nutritious, such as fresh fruit, you'll still gain weight if you eat more calories than you're able to burn. Weight gain isn't as likely with nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains and lean meat, as it is with junk food because junk, including candy, usually contains far more calories per serving.

As long as you're burning the calories that you consume each day, you'll maintain your weight.
If, for example, the bulk of your calorie intake is from something nutritious, such as fresh fruit, you'll still gain weight if you eat more calories than you're able to burn.

Candy and Weight Gain

Calories in Jolly Ranchers

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If you eat a lot of candy and don't burn off those extra calories, the sweet treats can certainly contribute to weight gain. The type of candy you choose is to blame, too. That's because the amount of sugar in any one type of candy is a primary factor in how many calories it has. If you eat four pieces of licorice-type candy, for example, you'll consume between 130 and 160 calories, along with between 15 and 17 grams of sugar. An ounce of hard candy clocks in at 112 calories and about 18 grams of sugar. The average milk chocolate bar contains 235 calories and almost 23 grams of sugar. While a serving of candy once in a while isn't likely to cause weight gain, regularly eating it on top of your normal diet might.

If you eat a lot of candy and don't burn off those extra calories, the sweet treats can certainly contribute to weight gain.

Candy and Health

Perhaps the greater worry with eating a lot of candy is the damage all that sugar can do to your health. Being overweight, from eating too much candy or for another reason, takes a toll on your body and leaves you susceptible to chronic health problems such as heart disease. When you eat large amounts of sugar, your triglyceride levels increase, according to MayoClinic.com. Triglycerides are a kind of fat, too much of which in your bloodstream raises your risk of heart problems. Taking in too much sugar can also raise your risk of Type 2 diabetes, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.

Perhaps the greater worry with eating a lot of candy is the damage all that sugar can do to your health.
Triglycerides are a kind of fat, too much of which in your bloodstream raises your risk of heart problems.

Tips and Considerations

Sweet Tarts Nutritional Information

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When you do splurge on candy, stick to one piece or a tiny serving. You'll still get the sweet taste you're looking for without consuming all that sugar. Sugar-free candy is another option if you're having a hard time kicking the candy habit, though it usually tastes different than the original version. They also contain artificial sweeteners, which aren't good for you either. Opt for healthier sweet treats instead. Fruit, for example, is naturally sweet and also supplies essential vitamins and minerals.