Average 10-year-old 'has consumed 18 years' worth of sugar'

  • Health

Children have on average already consumed more sugar than the maximum amount recommended for an 18-year-old by the time they reach their 10th birthday, a study suggests.

Public Health England (PHE) said the average 10-year-old has consumed at least 304lb (138kg) of sugar by the time they reach adulthood.

The data, gathered from household eating habits in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, was released as PHE offers parents tips on how to get youngsters eating less sugar.

The recommended maximum amount of sugar for 10-year-olds is 20-24 grammes a day.

But according to the PHE’s National Diet and Nutrition Survey, children are consuming an average of 52.2 grammes a day, based on consumption from the age of two.

That is equivalent to 13 cubes a day, eight more than the recommended level.

The Change4Life campaign is encouraging parents to change their shopping habits.

Making different choices of yogurts, drinks and cereals could cut a child’s sugar intake by half, according to PHE.

PHE said food and beverage manufacturers have also responded to calls for lower sugar content, making it easier for parents to find alternative options.

Speaking to ITV News, Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith suggested that the best way to tackle the "obesity crisis" was to educate children about food and teach them how to cook, both of which would make them more interested in "what they are putting into their bodies".

The chef also warned against the "demonisation" of certain food groups, instead advocating enjoying everything in moderation.

In May last year, the Government health agency published its report on progress towards a first-year sugar reduction ambition of 5%, showing an average 2% cut across categories for retailers and manufacturers.

Switching to low-sugar options could cut intake by as much as 2,500 sugar cubes per year from a child’s diet.

The Change4Life campaign is launching as severe obesity in children aged 10-11 hits an all-time high, PHE said.

A third of youngsters are leaving primary school overweight or obese, and more young people than ever are developing Type 2 diabetes.

Children who are overweight are also more likely to remain so into adulthood, and are at higher risk of developing heart disease and certain cancers.

Alison Tedstone, PHE chief nutritionist, said: “Children are consuming too much sugar, but parents can take action now to prevent this building up over the years.

“To make this easier for busy families, Change4Life is offering a straightforward solution – by making simple swaps each day, children can have healthier versions of everyday foods and drinks, while significantly reducing their sugar intake.”

Families are encouraged to look for the Change4Life Good Choice badge on products in shops, and can download a free app to identify lower-sugar options.