iarjimphIARJIMPHIARJIMPH2709-331X10.47310/iarjimph.2025.v06i01.006Sweet but Risky: Awareness of Sugar Intake, Obesity, and Non-Communicable Disease Risks in SolanBackground: The global surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome is closely linked to poor dietary habits, particularly excessive sugar consumption. In India, a rapid nutrition transition coupled with low community-level awareness has intensified the burden of diet-related NCDs. The present study aimed to assess the awareness of sugar intake, obesity, and associated health risks among adults in Solan district, Himachal Pradesh, to identify prevailing knowledge gaps and inform targeted public health interventions. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to March 2025 among 400 adults aged 18 years and above across rural, semi-urban, and urban settings in Solan district. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling via digital platforms. Data were collected using a structured, bilingual (Hindi and English) online questionnaire assessing demographics, awareness of sugar consumption risks, dietary behaviors, and misconceptions. Knowledge scores were categorized into "Very Good," "Good," "Fair," and "Poor." Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS version 26.0. Results: The majority of participants were aged 26–35 years (38.8%) and predominantly resided in rural areas (65.5%). Females represented 52.8% of the sample. While 79.3% correctly identified obesity and NCDs as major risks of excessive sugar intake and 81.0% recognized the link between obesity and cardiovascular diseases, only 60.8% were aware of the WHO’s recommended daily sugar limit. Notable misconceptions persisted regarding artificial sweeteners and sugar’s impact on cholesterol. Knowledge classification revealed that 30.8% had "Very Good" knowledge, 43.0% had "Good" knowledge, while 19.5% and 6.8% exhibited "Fair" and "Poor" knowledge levels respectively, underscoring a need for improved nutritional literacy. Conclusion: Although a substantial proportion of participants demonstrated a good foundational understanding of sugar-related health risks, significant knowledge gaps and persistent misconceptions remain, particularly regarding nuanced aspects of metabolic health. Targeted, culturally sensitive nutrition education initiatives, policy support to foster healthier food environments, and community-driven interventions are urgently required to bridge awareness gaps and mitigate the rising burden of obesity and NCDs in Solan district.