A public commentator claims that added sugars are solely responsible for the obesity epidemic and that fat intake is irrelevant. Which evidence-based critique best evaluates this claim?

• A. The claim is entirely correct because dietary fat contains no calories and cannot contribute to weight gain, so only sugars matter
• B. While high added sugar intake contributes to excess calories and poor metabolic health, obesity results from total energy imbalance and diet composition including excess saturated fats and low fiber also play important roles; the claim is overly simplistic
• C. Obesity is unrelated to diet composition or caloric intake and is only determined by viral infections, so both sugar and fat are irrelevant
• D. Sugar consumption directly converts into micronutrients that prevent obesity whereas fat stores always protect against chronic disease, making the commentator correct

Answer: (B)