The Sugar Diet: A Dangerous Trend That Won’t Die

By Marc Lobliner, IFBB Pro

Every few years, someone tries to reinvent the wheel—or in this case, the sugar cube. And right now, the so-called “Sugar Diet” is having a moment again. Some folks claim you can get shredded by pounding sugar while cutting fat. Sounds sweet, right?

Here’s the truth: this isn’t new, it’s not smart, and it’s absolutely not sustainable. But let’s break it down the way I do—no fluff, just facts.

Yes, the Sugar Diet Actually Has History

Before we had insulin, doctors were scrambling to find ways to help patients with type 2 diabetes survive. And back in the mid-1800s, there was actually a French physician—Joseph-Antoine Piorry—who advised diabetic patients to eat sugar. His reasoning? If you’re excreting sugar in your urine, why not “replace it”?

That didn’t go well.

Eventually, smarter people came along, like Apollinaire Bouchardat, who shifted toward low-carb, low-sugar diets that made actual progress in managing blood sugar.

So yes, sugar was once used in T2D treatment—but in a time when medical science was still figuring out bloodletting. That’s your historical context.

Now Enter the Modern Sugar Hype: Mark Bell’s Take

Mark Bell, a guy I respect for his transparency and lifting legacy, has been promoting a version of the “Sugar Diet” recently. He’s shared his experiment of eating mostly sugar and protein, with nearly zero fat, claiming it helped him lose weight and improve performance. His videos are getting views, and naturally, people are curious.

But here’s the thing: what works for one guy—especially a genetically elite, highly trained athlete like Mark—doesn’t mean it’s a good idea for the general population.

Yes, you can lose fat eating sugar if you’re in a deficit. But that doesn’t make it optimal, or even remotely healthy.

Why This Diet Fails 99% of People

Let’s talk physiology for a second—because the body doesn’t care what diet is trending on YouTube.

• Sugar spikes insulin. If you’re not training like an animal every day, those spikes can lead to fat storage and insulin resistance.

• Sugar doesn’t satisfy. You’ll be hungry again in 30 minutes. No fiber. No satiety. Just a crash and cravings.

• There’s no fat. Your hormones—testosterone, estrogen, cortisol—need dietary fat. Starve your body of fat, and you’re sabotaging your health.

• Zero micronutrient density. You’re basically fueling your body with empty calories and hoping it performs like a machine.

In short, it’s like fueling a Ferrari with cotton candy and expecting a podium finish.

What About Athletes and Bodybuilders?

Sure, there’s a time and place for sugar—intra-workout, post-training, glycogen refueling. But it’s used strategically, not as a foundation. I’ve coached top athletes, bodybuilders, fighters—none of them thrive on Pixy Stix and protein shakes.

A Better Way to Cut Fat (That Actually Works)

If your goal is fat loss, here’s what works:

• High-quality protein to preserve lean mass

• Moderate fat to support hormone function

• Controlled carbs with real nutrient value

• Consistency, sleep, and training intensity—the real “magic formula”

Need rapid results? I’ll still never recommend eating 400 grams of sugar a day. 

The Bottom Line

The Sugar Diet isn’t revolutionary—it’s just recycled bad science with a modern marketing twist. Whether it’s 1850 or 2025, the body doesn’t lie: excessive sugar with no nutritional balance is a recipe for dysfunction.

You want to perform? Build muscle? Stay lean and healthy into your 40s, 50s, and beyond? You don’t do that by flooding your bloodstream with Skittles.

Fuel your body like a professional. Train like it matters. And leave the sugar fads in the discount bin where they belong.