WHO Says World is Consuming Too Much Sugar: Report
Consuming an excessive amount of sugar is not only a first world problem, but it is a worldwide problem. The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday urged a dramatic drop in the consumption of sugar, "hidden" in everything from sodas and ketchup, as it steps up the fight against obesity.
New guidelines from the WHO say the world is eating too much sugar and people should slash their sugar intake to just 5 to 10 percent of their overall calories.
"We have solid evidence that keeping intake of (added) sugars to less than 10 percent of total energy intake reduces the risk of overweight, obesity and tooth decay," Francesco Branca, director of WHO's nutrition department, said in a statement.
WHO had previously suggested an upper limit for sugar consumption at around 10 percent, but issued the lower 5 percent guidance based on what it described as "very low quality evidence" suggesting further health benefits.
The UN agency pointed out that much of the so-called free sugars we consume today are "hidden" in processed foods that are not usually seen as sweet, like ketchup, which contains a full teaspoon of the sugar in each tablespoon.
"To get down to 5 percent, you wouldn't even be allowed to have orange juice," said Tom Sanders, a professor of nutrition and dietetics at King's College London who wasn't part of the WHO guidelines.
He said it shouldn't be that difficult for most Britons to get their sugar intake to 10 percent of their diet if they limit things like sugary drinks, cereals, beer, cookies and candy.
"I don't want to say that you can't even have jam on your toast, but it is possible to do this with some effort," he said. "Cake is lovely, but it's a treat."
