[HiTech RedNeck]

As for the rats — the only sure thing that can be said about this is that trans fats and HFCS are a lousy diet for rats and should be considered animal cruelty. How many cures for cancer in rats have flopped in humans?

[globelamp]

“As for the rats — the only sure thing that can be said about this is that trans fats and HFCS are a lousy diet for rats and should be considered animal cruelty. How many cures for cancer in rats have flopped in humans?”

Agreed, rat studies are third rate evidence, although combined with the (somewhat bad) evidence for trans fat toxicity in humans, and the evolutionary rationale (artifical trans fats are new for our metabolism), I think it might very well be an important part of the story.

[neverdem]

The high fructose corn syrup in soft drinks is 55 % fructose and 42 % glucose. That just shy of a 4:3 ratio. Fructose is quikly metabolized into glycerol, the 'spine' of triglycerides when free fatty acids are available. Here's an interesting paper.

Fructose, insulin resistance, and metabolic dyslipidemia

IIRC, Artificial sweeteners were mentioned.

Artificial sweetener tied to weight gain

Check the link in comment# 1.