Energy bars, for the first time took off in the market in 1980s. This was first marketed as a "workout fuel" for athletes. Then, followed the advertising of the cars as something that also helps with weight loss. Now, they are not only something that only can be seen in gyms, but have made it to the mainstream. They are available in almost everywhere, in snack aisle of a gas station, supermarket, and even drugstores. As per a market research agency Mintel, around 40% of people say they eat an energy bar one a few time a week.

The way it has been marketed, and packaged make you seem like it is good for you. However, it may not be the case with most of them. In fact, even with the bars that claim to have high protein, are nothing, but just candy bars. So, how to know which one is good for you?

What are "Energy" bars?

There are many studies that reveal that there is no one special ingredient in these bars that works as an energy booster. Energy usually means calorie, which is measured in how much food or a drink fuels the body. As per experts, calories come from many sources including carbohydrates, protein and fat. However, for your body, it is easier to break down carbs faster than protein or fats. Thus, all carbs are converted to glucose, which is a sugar that enters the bloodstream and is used by cells for energy.

In fact, even in carbs, sugar and white flour is broken fastest of all. This could be helpful if you perform a demanding activity, such as running a marathon, as it can deplete your cells existing glucose. This is why eating a quickly digested carb, like an energy bar, can replenish them and gives you a little push to keep you going.

However, not everyone needs this push for a day-to-day life. Simple carbs also make your sugar levels rise rapidly, but it also falls back down just as quickly. This is because your body pumps out insulin to sweep the glucose into cells. This sugar crash can in fact, make you feel tired and hungry all the time. In such a case, what you body really needs is sustained energy that only comes from carbs combined with fiber, protein and fat. These slowly releases glucose into your bloodstream and keep the blood sugar levels steadier.

What's good And What's Not?

There are bars that combines a combination of carb, fiber, protein and fat, but not all of them use wholesome ingredients. For a healthier pick, always look for ingredients which uses unprocessed foods and whole grains like nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. These nutrients are usually more nutrient packed than the ones that are processed.

For grain-based bar, check for whole grains like oats or quinoa. Whole grains also reduce inflammation and harmful LDL cholesterol which protects the heart. As per a 2016 BMJ study, three servings a day could also reduce the risk of heart diseases by 22%.

In terms of what to avoid, you can look out for:

Too Many Calories: If you are someone who exercises a lot, then you can go for a 200 to 400 calorie bar. If you are not someone who exercises a lot, then such a high calorie rate could lead to weight gain.

Added Sugar: There is rarely any need to say why it is harmful for health. As per the American Heart Association, 25 grams is the recommended daily added-sugar threshold for women and 36 grams for men. Too much added sugar could lead to weight gain, type 2 diabetes and heart problems. In an "energy" bar, the natural sources of added sugars can be concentrated fruit juices and honey, which are not the better options than sugar or syrups.

Even if you bar says zero added sugar, make sure to read it correctly, as some of them use artificial sweeteners or dried fruits.

Processed Protein: While many think protein is great for building muscles and losing weight, not always does protein help, especially if the protein is processed. If in a bar, the source of protein is from protein powder, then it is not the best thing to choose. Always go for whole food proteins such as eggs, nuts or seeds. The daily recommendation is 0.36 grams per pound of body weight or 54 grams for a 150 pound person.

Processed Fiber: The recommended fiber intake is 28 grams daily, but most Americans also do not get this. Here too, read the label to see if your fiber comes from whole grains, nuts and fruits, and not from processed fibers like chicory root or inulin.

People who are trying to lose weight may be able to see progress sooner by following a simple tip backed by the NHS. The health service shares guidance for anyone aiming to improve their diet and lose weight in a safe, steady way, including those advised by their GP to slim down. On the Better Health website, the NHS has a page titled Healthy eating when trying to lose weight, which offers practical advice for everyday meals.

One of the easiest rules to put into practice is increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables in your diet. Doing so can also help people meet their five-a-day target, a guideline recommended by both the NHS and the World Health Organisation.

NHS Advice Could Help People Lose Weight Faster

The NHS says fruit and vegetables should be a core part of daily eating. It explains: “When it comes to fruit and veg, eating five portions a day is the minimum you should aim for – but the more you eat the better! They are a good source of fibre, low in calories and great to snack on. Increase your intake and make it a goal to hit your five a day, every day.”

To make this easier, people are encouraged to follow what is known as the “two or more” rule. This means adding at least two portions of vegetables to every main meal. According to the NHS, aiming for two or more portions of veg at mealtimes should make up roughly half of your plate.

Health Benefits Beyond Weight Loss

The World Health Organisation states that eating at least 400g of fruit and vegetables each day is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. This means boosting vegetable intake can improve overall health, not just support weight loss.

Alongside fruit and vegetables, the NHS advises people trying to lose weight to include protein in every meal. Protein helps you feel full for longer and can reduce the urge to snack. Good options include eggs, fish, beans, pulses, and lean cuts of meat.

Carbohydrates, Fats, And Dairy Choices

While carbohydrates do not need to be avoided entirely, the NHS recommends limiting them to no more than a third of your daily food intake. When eating carbs, wholegrain versions are encouraged where possible. Dairy products should also be chosen carefully, with low-fat and low-sugar options preferred.

For those who eat fish, the NHS advises having two portions per week, with at least one being oily fish such as salmon or trout. When cooking, oils like olive, sunflower, or rapeseed oil are recommended because they contain healthier unsaturated fats, as per The Mirror.

Staying Hydrated

The NHS also highlights the importance of drinking enough fluids each day. It advises: “Drink six to eight cups of fluid a day. Water, lower-fat milk, tea, coffee, sugar-free drinks. They all count!”

Portion Size Still Matters

Alongside food choices, the NHS stresses that portion size plays a major role in weight management. It notes: “The amount you eat is just as important as what you eat – no matter how healthy your diet is, you can still put on weight if you are eating too much. Having more calories than your body needs each day can lead to weight gain.”

In general, the recommended daily calorie intake is around 2,500kcal for men and 2,000kcal for women. For people trying to lose weight, this usually drops to about 1,900kcal for men and 1,400kcal for women.

The World Health Organization is asking countries across the world to increase taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol to reduce cases of chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease and fatty liver.

In a January 13 virtual conference, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "Health taxes have been shown to reduce consumption of these harmful products, helping to prevent disease and reduce the burden on health systems.

"At the same time, they generate an income stream that governments can use to invest in health, education and social protection."

According to a recent report on sugar-sweetened beverages taxes, at least 116 countries tax sugary drinks, including sodas or carbonated canned drinks, but other high-sugar products, such as 100 per cent fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks and ready-to-drink coffees and teas, escape taxation.

Additionally, another report on alcohol taxes shows that even though 167 countries levy taxes on liquor, wine and beer, alcohol has become more affordable or remained unchanged in price in most countries since 2022, as taxes do not get adjusted for inflation and income growth.

How Will A Tax Increase on Drinks Help?

Apart from increasing the risk for diabetes and heart disease, sugary drinks can also worsen the risk for dental problems, gout, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and potential kidney/bone issues.

Due to being cheap for consumption, the harmful products are generating billions of dollars in profit for countries and corporations, alike.

However, health systems across the globe are facing mounting financial pressure from preventable noncommunicable diseases and injuries and an increase an taxes will help curb these costs , the WHO said.

Moreover, high tax rates will discourage consumers from buying such drinks and causing long-term damage to their body.

Has This Approach Ever Been Successful?

Yes, the WHO noted that when the UK implemented a tax on sugary drinks in 2018, the country saw a overall reduced sugar consumption, £338 million revenue increase in 2024 and a lower obesity rates in girls aged 10 and 11, especially in deprived communities.

Are Sugary Drinks Only To Blame?

“These are very important findings for preservatives that are not only widely used in the French and European markets, but also in the United States,” said senior author Mathilde Touvier, principal investigator of the NutriNet-Santé study used for the research, as per CTV News.

The cancer-focused study, published in The BMJ, examined the effects of 58 preservatives among nearly 105,000 people who were cancer-free in 2009 and followed for up to 14 years.

Sodium nitrite, commonly used in processed meats such as bacon, ham, and deli meats, was linked to a 32 percent higher risk of prostate cancer. Potassium nitrate was associated with a 22 percent increased risk of breast cancer and a 13 percent rise in overall cancer risk, results showed.

US President Donald Trump’s eating habits have drawn a blunt and unusually candid assessment from Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, who described them as “unhinged” and dominated by fast food, candy, and Diet Coke.

Speaking on a podcast, Kennedy said Trump regularly consumes what he called “really bad food,” with McDonald’s, sweets, and Diet Coke forming a constant part of his routine. “The interesting thing about the president is that he eats really bad food, which is McDonald's. And then candy and Diet Coke,” Kennedy said, adding that Trump drinks Diet Coke “at all times.”

“Pumping Himself Full of Poison”

Kennedy, who has travelled with Trump, painted a vivid picture of the president’s food habits on the road. “If you travel with him, you get this idea that he's just pumping himself full of poison all day long,” he said.

Despite the criticism, Kennedy also expressed disbelief at Trump’s physical resilience. “He’s got the constitution of a deity,” he remarked. “I don’t know how he’s alive, but he is.”

Why Trump Trusts Fast Food on the Road

According to Kennedy, Trump has his own reasoning for relying on food from large corporate chains while travelling. The president, he said, believes such food is safer and more predictable.

“[Trump] says that the only time that he eats junk food is when he's on the road, and he wants to eat food from big corporations because he trusts it,” Kennedy explained. Trump reportedly worries about falling ill while travelling and prefers food he considers consistent and hygienic.

Kennedy added that Trump’s energy levels remain astonishing despite his diet. “You don’t know how he’s walking around, much less being the most energetic person any of us have ever met,” he said.

A Shift in Tone on Trump’s Health

While Kennedy’s comments about Trump’s diet were sharp, he later struck a more positive tone about the president’s overall health. He said that, in his view, Trump is in excellent physical condition and does not always eat poorly.

“I think he actually does eat pretty good food usually. He's got incredible health,” Kennedy said.

Medical Tests and ‘Exceptional Health’ Claims

Kennedy also cited a medical assessment conducted by Dr Mehmet Oz, referencing Trump’s test results. According to Kennedy, Dr Oz reviewed Trump’s medical records and found unusually high testosterone levels for someone over 70. “He’s got the highest testosterone level that he’s ever seen for an individual over 70 years old,” Kennedy said, adding that Trump would likely be pleased to hear that repeated publicly.

Last month, the White House released details of an MRI scan that described Trump as being in “excellent health.” In a memo, Trump’s physician, Navy Captain Sean Barbabella, said the president’s cardiovascular system was in excellent condition, abdominal imaging was normal, and “all major organs appear very healthy and well-perfused.”

Addressing Age and Visible Bruising

The medical disclosure came amid ongoing public scrutiny of Trump’s health, particularly as he is set to turn 80 in June and is the oldest person ever sworn in as US president.

The White House also addressed visible bruising on Trump’s right hand, explaining that it was linked to aspirin use as part of a standard heart-health regimen.

Inside Trump’s Latest Medical Report

Following a recent checkup at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Trump’s physician described him as being in “exceptional health.” The evaluation, which lasted roughly three hours, included lab tests, advanced imaging, and preventive health assessments as part of his ongoing health maintenance plan.

During the visit, Trump also received his annual flu shot and a Covid-19 booster vaccine.

“President Donald J. Trump remains in exceptional health, exhibiting strong cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological and physical performance,” Barbabella wrote in a one-page memo released by the White House.

The doctor also assessed Trump’s cardiac age, noting that it appeared to be about 14 years younger than his actual age. Trump is currently 79.

Despite questions around his fast-food-heavy diet, official medical reports continue to present a picture of a president who, by clinical measures at least, remains remarkably fit for his age.