PAEDIATRICIAN WARNS PARENTS AGAINST EXCESSIVE SUGAR INTAKE IN CHILDREN

A Senior Registrar in Paediatrics at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Dr Usman Ibrahim, has warned parents that excessive consumption of free sugar could expose children to obesity and several other health complications.

Ibrahim gave the warning in Lagos while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria, explaining that free sugar includes table sugar as well as sugars added to processed foods, drinks, fruit juices and honey.

According to the paediatrician, the World Health Organisation recommends that free sugar should account for less than 10 per cent of daily energy intake for both children and adults. He cautioned that regularly exceeding this level could contribute to excessive weight gain and obesity.

He explained that childhood obesity could increase the risk of developing serious health conditions, including insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

Ibrahim also warned that excessive sugar intake could negatively affect children's growth because children who consume too many sugary foods may lose interest in nutritious meals needed for proper physical and mental development.

He noted that the American Academy of Paediatrics recommends that children below the age of two should not be given foods or drinks containing added sugar. He also said parents should pay attention to hidden sugars found in biscuits, sweetened drinks, snacks and other processed foods.

The paediatrician explained that obesity develops when the amount of energy consumed exceeds the energy used by the body, resulting in the excess being stored as fat. Continued accumulation of body fat can eventually lead to excessive weight gain and increase the risk of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes.

Beyond weight-related complications, Ibrahim identified dental caries as another major consequence of excessive sugar consumption among children. He explained that bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that gradually damage the teeth.

If left untreated, he said, dental caries could result in cavities, infections, persistent pain and, in severe cases, permanent tooth loss.

The paediatrician noted that children naturally have a preference for sweet foods, adding that breast milk itself has a naturally sweet taste. He said the pleasurable sensation associated with sweet foods could make children develop stronger preferences for sugary products.

He also observed that some parents unintentionally encourage excessive sugar consumption by using sweets, sugary drinks and other treats as rewards for their children.

To reduce children's dependence on sugary foods and drinks, Ibrahim advised parents to provide regular meals and encourage their children to drink more water.

He recommended healthier alternatives, including whole fruits, plain yoghurt and age-appropriate nuts or peanut butter. Parents were also advised to read food labels carefully and select snacks containing little or no added sugar.

The paediatrician further encouraged parents to lead by example by adopting healthier eating habits themselves, noting that children's dietary choices are often influenced by what they see adults around them consume.

He also called on schools to educate pupils about the dangers associated with excessive sugar consumption and introduce measures to regulate sugary snacks and foods during school activities and celebrations.

Ibrahim explained that Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin and eventually becomes unable to produce enough of the hormone to regulate blood glucose effectively.

He noted that Type 2 diabetes is increasingly being seen among children, with overweight and obesity contributing to insulin resistance.

He identified excessive thirst, frequent urination, excessive hunger and unexplained weight loss among the symptoms that could indicate diabetes in children.

The paediatrician urged families to promote healthier lifestyles, limit children's intake of sugary products and reduce sedentary behaviour as part of efforts to prevent excessive weight gain and lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

He stressed that helping children develop healthy eating habits early in life could protect them from preventable health complications later in adulthood.