Agave nectar is boiled at high temperatures similar to the process for maple syrup. The resulting sugars are essentially fructose.Not matter the source, be it sugar (white, brown or raw), honey, agave, or maple syrup, the digestion of these sweeteners are all digested the same. The body doesn't distinguish one simple sugar from another. There may be other reasons to choose one over the other but as far a calories and metabolism, only personal preference really matters. As for managing weight, the less simple sugars from all sources the better. Better still, satisfy your sweet tooth with fruit so you can gain the benefit of dietary fiber, antioxidants and valuable vitamins and minerals.