January 9, 2014

experts comment on campaign to reduce the nation’s sugar intake

A campaign group called Action on Sugar has been launched, looking to reduce the amount of sugar added to food and soft drinks in an effort to tackle obesity and diabetes.

Prof Susan Jebb, Professor of Diet and Population Health, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, said:

“The scale of the obesity problem in this country clearly needs greater action to improve the nation’s diet. But we need to move away from a reductionist approach which blames individual nutrients, such as sugar, and instead take a more holistic approach if we are going to reduce diet-related disease. Most people are well aware of the key health messages – to eat less fat, sugar and salt, but they need more practical help which talks about the foods they buy or put on the table for their families if they are to turn these messages into practical and meaningful action to improve health.”

Prof Naveed Sattar, Professor of Metabolic Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, said:

“The evidence that the obesity epidemic is much more to do with over-consumption of calories than altered activity levels is now clear, which is why lessening the nation’s calorie intake is critical to reverse obesity levels.  It’s also true that excess sugar is now pervasive in many foods and drinks so that changes in food formulations towards a gradual lowering of both refined sugar (and fat) content could be a major way to address obesity levels.  In the meantime, individuals who wish to lose weight or stop weight gain can cut their refined sugar intake by replacing sugary drinks by either water or diet drinks.  Whilst some may find this hard initially, the palate can adapt to new tastes over a few weeks so that individuals fine this new taste equally enjoyable.  The same is also true for other sweet or fatty foods; gradual changes in diet towards healthier foods are possible for all and the concept of retaining the palate is something that needs wider publicity.

“The truth is that sugar on its own is not bad if overall calorie intake matches calorie burn and individuals are normal weight / healthy – however, when the diet leads to overconsumption of calories, excess fat or sugar can both be stored as excess fat in important body organs such as the liver or muscle increasing health risks such as diabetes, liver disease and associated conditions.   Many individuals who eat too many calories do so because either their intake of refined sugar or fat are excessive as these things taste so nice and the trick is to retrain the palate over time to like better quality foods.  Everyone can achieve this but perseverance is needed.  Ideally, if better quality foods are available generally together with a parallel reduction in less sugar and fat rich foods, such changes would inevitably help individuals make healthier choices.”