Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania (United States) conducted an online survey with 2,500 parents to analyze children’s eating habits and understand the impact on parents of prevention messages about sugary drinks and sodas.
They observed that more than half of children under the age of 11 consume sugary drinks daily with sugar levels (7 teaspoons) twice the daily recommendation of health organizations.
Warn parents of the risks
This study published in the medical journal Pediatrics also reveals that parents exposed to labels warning about the dangers of sugar to health (diabetes, obesity, cavities) say they are reluctant to continue buying them for their children.
“These results show that adding health warning labels can be an important and powerful way to educate parents about the potential health risks of regular consumption of these drinks, and encourage them to buy less of them,” explains Christina Roberto, clinical psychologist and epidemiologist.
Sugar becomes public enemy number 1
In March 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended a significant reduction in the amounts of sugar that we consume each day. She wanted adults and children to reduce their sugar intake to 10% of their daily energy intake. These recommendations seem too high for the National Health Service (NHS) and Public Health England who have published a new report which recommends consuming no more than 5% of the daily calorie intake for added sugars.
Read also:
To protect your teeth, avoid drinking sodas
Infographic: the health effects of sugar
Sugar, salt and fat: why are we addicted?
