Public Health England (PHE) is calling on charities, NGOs, academics, businesses, retailers and consumers to work together to reduce the amount of sugar we eat as a nation.
According to Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at PHE, the reasons are clear: “Eating too much sugar is bad for us. This paper outlines the steps PHE will take to help families and individuals reduce their sugar intake, and how we study possible initiatives to further reduce sugar consumption.
“This will allow us to meet the Department of Health’s request that we provide them draft recommendations in spring 2015 to inform the government’s thinking on sugar in the diet.
“We will do this work in the light of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition’s report on carbohydrates, which has been published in draft form and will be finalised by the end of the year.
“People eat more sugar than they should, and sugar increases the risk of consuming too many calories which, if sustained, causes weight gain and obesity,” she continued.
“More than two thirds of adults and, by the time they leave primary school, one in three children are carrying excess weight.
“By analysing dietary data and discussing food habits with stakeholders, we have identified a range of areas that need exploring further.”
PHE already runs marketing campaigns to promote healthy living. It now plans to look at the way foods are being advertised to children, financial measures that relate to sugar sweetened drinks, food procurement across the public sector, and education and training.
Tedstone added: “Eating too much sugar is harming our health; excess sugar and calorie intake leads to being overweight and obese, and consequently having a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and breast and colon cancer.
“Currently, a third of our ten and 11 year olds are overweight or obese, with the majority coming from the most deprived communities, which is unacceptable.
“This paper sets out issues for discussion on how to help the nation reduce its sugar intake. We look forward to working in partnership with the wider public health community and other key stakeholders on improving the nation’s diet.”
Honorary chairman of the British Dietetic Association Siân O’Shea added: “We very much welcome the call for a balanced discussion on how we can all work together and commit to helping people reduce their sugar intake.
“The success of the national salt-reduction programme resulted in a 15% reduction of salt consumption in the UK.
“We can replicate this success again if we have a platform for discussion and collaboration. PHE is providing the landscape in which this challenge can be met.”