March 4th 2024 was World Obesity Day. This global event is dedicated to raising awareness about obesity and encouraging actions to address and prevent this significant health issue. Organised by the World Obesity Federation, the day brings attention to the complex factors contributing to obesity, including diet, physical activity, genetics, and environmental influences. It also seeks to challenge stereotypes and reduce the stigma associated with obesity.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in eight people are living with obesity. Worldwide, obesity among adults has more than doubled since 1990, and has quadrupled among children and adolescents (5 to 19 years of age).
Oral health and obesity are strongly linked due to common dietary risk factors such as high sugar consumption. Did you know that the WHO recommends less than 6 teaspoons of 'free sugars' per day to reduce the risk of unhealthy weight gain and tooth decay?
What is a 'free sugar' you might ask?
Free sugars include table sugar, glucose or fructose which are added to food and drink by the manufacturer, consumer or cook. They also include sugars that are naturally present in fruit juices, fruit juice drinks, honey or syrups.
Many breakfast cereals and breakfast bars are high in sugar. Why not start with an easy switch this week-end and ditch them for healthier options like porridge and chopped fruit, wholemeal toast, plain yoghurt and chopped fruit or a low-sugar muesli.
Low sugar is any food or drink that has less than 5g/5ml sugar per 100g/100ml.
Getting into the habit of checking the nutritional label before putting anything into your shopping trolley will go a long way to helping you reduce your sugar intake!