drive to cut sugar consumption
Children in England are eating - and drinking - too much sugar. In all age groups, average sugar intake is above current recommendations and it is clear we need to step up our efforts to do something about it.
There are two big health reasons why all of us, adults and children, need to cut back on our sugar consumption. The first is the evidence that links diets high in sugar to excess calories, which can lead to weight gain and obesity. One in five children aged four to five years is overweight or obese, rising to one in three aged ten to 11 years.
Overweight or obese children are more likely to develop illnesses such as type 2 diabetes; to have weight and health problems in adolescence; and to become overweight or obese adults, who are more prone to health problems such as heart disease and some cancers.
The second reason why we have to get serious about sugar is dental health. Healthy teeth are part of overall health, which children need to thrive, develop and learn.
Food and drink high in sugar can lead to tooth decay, and in 2012, tooth decay was a problem for nearly one-third of five-year-olds in England. Tooth decay was also the most common reason for hospital admissions for children aged five to nine between 2012 and 2013.
Soft drinks, confectionery, biscuits ...
For children aged four to ten, a national study shows that much of the excess sugar comes from soft drinks, biscuits, cakes, pastries, confectionery, fruit juice and breakfast cereals.
Part of our job, at Public Health England, is to advise parents, caregivers and professionals working with children so that, together, we can help to improve and protect the health of the population. That's why last month, we launched our Change4Life campaign, helping families to cut down on sugar by making simple swaps.
The campaign provides practical tips for what families can do at mealtimes and snacktimes - trying plain cereal instead of sugary cereal and low-fat, lower-sugar yoghurt rather than ice cream. For more tips, recipes, money-off vouchers and swap cards, families can register to get a free sugar swaps pack. We know from past experience that making small swaps can make a difference.
