Sugar is something that is naturally included in all foods containing carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, or grains, and consuming such food is okay and healthy without a doubt. However, intake of immeasurable amounts of added sugar can be a very alarming problem even when people are young, and the problem is only getting worse everyday with the manufacturing industries booming with sugar-containing products targeted to youths. As much as it can enhance the food we consume, sugar is quietly working against us regardless of age. Even though many major health organizations like WHO recommend less than 10% sugar consumption in diet, children do otherwise.
Parents often buy preservative fruit juices thinking it’s ‘healthy’ as it contains natural sugar from fruits, unaware of the fact that a big proportion of those fruit juices accommodates added sugar. A study has shown how child-targeted food marketing can influence children’s food preferences, and health outcomes. Children under 9 are particularly victim of falling into such trap.1 One tablespoon of ketchup containing 4 grams of free sugar, and a single can of soda containing 40 grams of sugar can really add up fast. Notice how these are some of the top favorite foods of children. Other studies have shown that consuming beverages is the primary source of sugar intake for children at an early age and it has a lot to do with elevating the risk of being overweight by the age of 8. In addition to that, dental decay, and high blood pressure are the other realities of high sugar intake.
The unhealthy pattern of diet continues throughout adolescence and adulthood. In 2017-2020, 22% of US youths (2-19 years) had obesity. The obesity is primarily due to consuming excessive added sugar that leads to excess calories.
When the surplus calories cannot burn off, they build up and are stored as fat. As a result, this leads to many deadly diseases such as early heart problems and high blood pressure and mental health problems.
Even though it is almost impossible to curb sugar completely from children, many measures can be taken in order to reduce its consumption such as implementing a tax on sugary foods and drinks and replacing sugars with non-sugar sweeteners. The chance of obesity should be reduced with the highest effort as it comes to be the primal reason for low expectancy of life.
Sources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9860950/#sec1-nutrients-15-00274
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8800013/#s0065