A Lagos-based paediatrician has advised parents to cut down on the amount of sugar given to children, warning that excessive intake could contribute to obesity and other serious health conditions.
Dr Usman Ibrahim, a Senior Registrar in Paediatrics at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, gave the advice in Lagos during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday.
Ibrahim explained that free sugar is not limited to the sugar added to tea or meals, but also includes sugars found in processed foods, soft drinks, fruit juices and honey.
He said the World Health Organisation recommends that free sugars make up less than 10 per cent of a person’s daily energy intake.
According to him, regularly consuming large amounts of sugar can lead to excess weight gain and obesity, conditions that may increase the chances of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes.
He also noted that children who consume too many sugary foods may lose interest in healthier meals, depriving them of nutrients needed for proper growth.
“The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends that children under two years should not have food and drinks with added sugar.
“It recommends 100 per cent fruit juice for children from age one,” he said.
The doctor urged parents to be more careful when buying snacks and drinks for their children, noting that many processed products contain added or hidden sugars.
He explained that weight gain occurs when the body receives more energy from food than it expends, with the excess eventually stored as body fat.
Ibrahim warned that continued accumulation of fat could increase the risk of insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes, particularly among children who are overweight or obese.
He further identified poor dental health as another consequence of excessive sugar consumption.
According to him, bacteria in the mouth use sugar to produce acids that attack the teeth, potentially resulting in cavities, infections, persistent pain and, in severe cases, permanent tooth loss.
The paediatrician said children’s natural preference for sweet tastes makes it easier for them to develop a strong liking for sugary foods.
He added that parents sometimes reinforce the habit by using sweets, sugary drinks and other treats as rewards for good behaviour.
To tackle the problem, Ibrahim encouraged parents to establish regular meal patterns and make water the preferred drink for children.
He suggested whole fruits, plain yoghurt and suitable nuts or peanut butter as healthier alternatives to heavily sweetened snacks.
He also advised parents to examine nutritional labels before purchasing food products and choose options with lower sugar content.
Ibrahim stressed that parents should demonstrate healthy eating habits themselves, while schools should educate children about the dangers associated with excessive sugar consumption.
He also called for schools to restrict the availability of sugary snacks and drinks, particularly during celebrations.
On diabetes, the paediatrician explained that the disease occurs when the amount of glucose in the blood becomes abnormally high because the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively.
He said Type 1 diabetes results from the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic cells by the immune system, meaning affected children require lifelong insulin treatment.
Type 2 diabetes, he explained, develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin and may eventually fail to produce enough of the hormone.
Ibrahim noted that Type 2 diabetes, once more commonly associated with adults, is increasingly being observed in children, partly due to rising rates of overweight and obesity.
He identified excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger and unexplained weight loss as symptoms parents should watch out for.
The paediatrician urged families to promote active lifestyles, limit sugary foods and drinks and reduce prolonged sedentary activities as part of efforts to protect children from obesity and Type 2 diabetes.