Excess sugar consumption puts children at risk of obesity, paediatrician warns

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

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Ibrahim told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Sunday that free sugar included table sugar, added sugars in processed foods, drinks, fruit juices and honey.

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He said the World Health Organisation recommended that free sugar should constitute less than 10 per cent of daily energy intake for children and adults.

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According to him, excessive sugar consumption could cause excessive weight gain and obesity, which are risk factors for heart disease, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

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He added that excessive sugar intake could affect children’s growth by reducing their interest in nutritious foods necessary for proper growth and development.

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“The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends that children under two years should not have food and drinks with added sugar.

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“It recommends 100 per cent fruit juice for children from age one,” he said.

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According to him, parents should consider hidden sugars in sweetened biscuits, drinks, snacks and processed foods when monitoring their children’s sugar intake.

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Ibrahim said excessive sugar consumption contributed to obesity when energy intake exceeded what the body used, causing excess energy to be stored as fat.

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He said prolonged accumulation of body fat could result in excessive weight gain and obesity, increasing children’s risk of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes.

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The paediatrician said excessive sugar intake could also cause dental caries because bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acids that gradually damage the teeth.

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He said untreated dental caries could lead to cavities, infections, pain and permanent tooth loss.

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Ibrahim said children were naturally attracted to sweet foods because of their biological preference, noting that breast milk was also naturally sweet.

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He added that sweet foods could produce pleasurable sensations, while some parents unintentionally encouraged sugar consumption by using sweets and drinks as rewards.

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Ibrahim advised parents to provide regular meals and encourage children to drink water to reduce cravings for sugary drinks and snacks.

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He recommended healthy alternatives such as varieties of whole fruits, plain yoghurt and age-appropriate nuts or peanut butter.

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The paediatrician advised parents to read food labels and choose snacks containing little sugar, while also leading by example through healthier eating habits.

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He urged schools to educate children on the dangers of excessive sugar consumption and introduce policies regulating sugary snacks and foods during celebrations.

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Ibrahim explained that diabetes mellitus occurred when blood glucose became too high because the body produced insufficient insulin or could not effectively use the available insulin.

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He said Type 1 diabetes occurred when the immune system destroyed pancreatic cells responsible for insulin production, making affected children dependent on lifelong insulin therapy.

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According to him, Type 2 diabetes occurred when the body became resistant to insulin and might eventually produce insufficient quantities.

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Ibrahim said Type 2 diabetes was increasingly being seen among children because overweight and obesity could contribute to insulin resistance.

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He listed excessive thirst, frequent urination, excessive hunger and weight loss as common symptoms of diabetes.

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Ibrahim said adopting healthy lifestyles, avoiding excessive sugar consumption and reducing sedentary behaviour could help prevent excessive weight gain and reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

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