Some experts believe that another risk of added sugar intake is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. According to the American Liver Foundation, “Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the buildup of extra fat in liver cells that is not caused by alcohol.”

Obesity and diabetes are thought to be common causes of this disease. “The liver can’t process all of that sugar because it’s a toxin,” says Kristin Lund, a certified health coach specializing in diabetic nutrition. “The more sugar you put in your body, the more the liver can’t process. So it starts making extra fat, and the liver itself gets fatty.”

Another issue associated with excess sugar consumption is obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 34.9 percent of Americans are obese. A BMJ study found that sugar can be a leading factor when it comes to weight gain. It has been determined that decreased sugar intake results in weight loss, whereas added sugar intake results in weight gain.

So just what can you do to take control of the sugar in your life?

First and foremost, know how to read labels. After all, knowledge is power. Look for words like sucrose, barley malt, dextrose, maltose, rice syrup and high-fructose corn syrup. These are common industry terms for sugar.

Second, redesign how you order your favorite sweetened beverages. Instead of going for that Starbucks Venti White Chocolate Mocha, opt for the tall (small) size. This cuts your sugar intake by more than half. Or consider a Venti Skinny Caramel Macchiato, which has just 22 grams of sugar.

Be aware of the fact that many experts recommend steering clear of these types of drinks altogether. “If you really care about your health, consider ordering plain black coffee sweetened with vanilla stevia. Just bring the stevia from home and add it to your drink,” Lund says. “And don’t worry about adding full-fat milk. The fat will slow the absorption of sugar.”