Author: Maryam Ayres
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minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
Consumption of too much sugar is associated with obesity and risk of chronic diseases
Experts, including from the World Health Organization, recommend that the intake of free sugars per day should not exceed 10% of the total caloric intake for the day , although at this stage the exact amount as an upper limit of sugar that we can we consume without harming our health. However, even this restriction alone will have a significant benefit in reducing the incidence of obesity among the population globally, writes an article in the online edition BMJ .
Researchers at the University of Otago and the Ridett Institute in New Zealand are analyzing data on sugar consumption from 71 studies and how it affects the body and fat accumulationin adults and children.
We consume a large amount of sugars from finished products , with the consumption of fruits, honey and fruit syrups standing in the back.
Limiting the consumption of finished products containing sugar leads to a reduction in body weight by a seemingly insignificant 800 grams. More could be lost if sugar products are not replaced with other simple carbohydrates, such as unsweetened pasta, the researchers added.
In general, sugar consumption is just one of the many factors in the obesity epidemic among the global population, which are also closely linked. This means poor nutritionand immobilization, for example, also obesity factors, contribute to and increase the adverse effect of sugar consumption. In this sense, one cannot expect a particular weight loss just by limiting sugar consumption without regulating some of the other habits.
Consumption of sugar and simple carbohydrates is one of the main factors, not only for overweight as a mass problem, but also for the deteriorating health of the population in general and increasing the number of chronically ill globally .
In children, overconsumption of sugar is largely due to the consumption of soft drinks, which is especially increased during puberty and carries a significant risk of unhealthy weight gain and obesity.
Experts have repeatedly warned in recent years that it is necessary to limit and control the intake of soft sweetened beverages , especially among young people. Options are even being discussed for the introduction of additional charges for these products and a recommended limit for daily consumption of labels.
It is recommended to develop national programs to make the population literate about eating habits and healthy products, by seriously entering schools and influencing children's nutrition. Last but not least, it will be useful in the advertising campaigns of such products to encourage increased physical activity , as exemplified by one of the world's producers of soft drinks in the world since January this year.