Sweetening the Deal: Hirschhausen's 'Reward System Went Wild' - Dr. Hirschhausen takes on Germany's sugar crisis in bold new ARD special
Dr. Eckart von Hirschhausen is tackling Germany's sugar problem in a new primetime special. The episode, titled Hirschhausen and the Sugar Problem, will air on ARD this Monday, February 23, at 8:15 PM. His investigation explores the links between sugar, diabetes, and potential solutions—including his own experiments with cutting back.
Germany's sugar habits have shifted in recent years. In 2016, the average person consumed around 36 kilograms of sugar annually. By 2025, that figure dropped to roughly 33–34 kilograms. Political measures played a role: a sugar tax on soft drinks arrived in 2020, Nutri-Score labels became mandatory, and advertising for sugary products to children faced stricter rules. Food manufacturers also voluntarily reformulated recipes to reduce sugar content.
In the show, Hirschhausen examines how a sugar tax might lower diabetes rates. The condition can cause severe complications, such as foot amputations, due to damage to blood vessels and nerves. To test his own relationship with sugar, he fasted for several days to reset his taste buds. He also underwent an MRI scan to observe his brain's reaction to artificial sweeteners.
Real-life examples feature in the programme too. A medical assistant from Düsseldorf improved her blood sugar levels by cutting out carbohydrates on her doctor's advice. Meanwhile, a school garden project helps children learn about real food, encouraging them to choose healthier options over processed snacks.
The episode highlights both personal and policy-driven approaches to reducing sugar intake. With Germans still consuming an average of 90 grams of sugar daily, the show suggests that small changes—from individual habits to broader regulations—could make a difference. Hirschhausen and the Sugar Problem aims to spark discussion on how to tackle one of the country's pressing health challenges.
