Children are consuming approximately eight excess sugar cubes a day or 2,800 per year.
In recent years, everyone has become increasingly more aware of the detrimental effects excess sugar consumption can have.
From tooth cavities to weight gain and an increased risk of heart disease, a little too much of C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁, which admittedly we’re all very fond of, is bad news.
Earlier this year, a report from Public Health England (PHE) found that children are consuming far more sugar than they should be.
Data shows children in the UK have already exceeded the max recommended sugar intake for an 18yr old by the time they reach their 10th Birthday. Swapping some everyday food & drinks can help. Download the free Food Scanner app or search @Change4Life to find lower sugar options. pic.twitter.com/yE42EKXWCn
— Public Health England (@PHE_uk) January 2, 2019
PHE says that the recommended daily maximum of sugar for children aged four to six is five cubes or 19g. For children aged seven to 10 this rises to six cubes (24g) and up to seven cubes (30g) for those aged 11 and over.
However, UK children are consuming around 13 cubes or 52g of sugar a day.
In a bid to tackle this epidemic, PHE launched “Change 4 Life“, a website that educates parents and children to make healthier choices.
Tips include helpful swaps that offer alternatives to foods higher in sugar. These include swapping split-yoghurts (ie dessert types) for no added sugar ones or chocolate cereals for wholegrains options.
The BBC quoted Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at PHE, who said:
“Children are consuming too much sugar, but parents can take action now to prevent this building up over the years.”
PHE is working with the food industry to cut 20% of sugar from the foods children consume most by 2020.
Last April the UK introduced a tax on sugary drinks, just before Ireland did. There is now talk that a “pudding tax” might come into effect if the levels of sugar consumption are not drastically reduced.
