Is big sugar the new health threat?
University of Sydney researchers discuss the bittersweet truth in the debate about sugar. Is a tax on sugar the answer?听Should we cut sugar from our diets completely?
Is sugar the new health threat?
Dr Kieron Rooney weighs in on the debate about sugar.
Sugar is currently making headlines around the world. But with so much information and conflicting advice - how do we know what to believe?
University of Sydney鈥檚 foremost researchers will discuss the bittersweet truths in the debate about sugar at a public forum from 6pm Wednesday 15 March.
鈥淭he majority of Australians are consuming above the recommended amount of added sugar every day,鈥� said panelist from the Faculty of Health Sciences.
鈥淓xcessive consumption of sugar is a major contributor to increasing rates of obesity around the world. 听It鈥檚 also linked to increased rates of Type 2 diabetes and poor dental health.
鈥淐onsidering that two thirds of Australian adults and one in four children are overweight or obese, it鈥檚 clear that we need to do something now,鈥� he said.
There is new momentum to address these issues through a range of measures, but proposals for a sugar tax are dividing experts and the government. 听
Dr Rooney said: 鈥淎 sugar tax isn鈥檛 a silver bullet for solving these health issues, it is part of the solution, but not the only part.
鈥淎 tax would need to be considered along with reducing the availability and accessibility of added sugar products, and restrictions on advertising and marketing.鈥�
Panelist from the University鈥檚 School of Public Health said that research findings can be biased and sneaky marketing tactics, particularly aimed at young people, are continuing.
鈥淢edia, especially media aimed at children and young people, is saturated with sugar. 高清福利片 on junk food promotions showed that sugary drinks are highly active on social media sites that appeal to young people.
鈥淧eople are engaging with these brands as part of their online social circle. Sugary drink companies are positioning themselves as 鈥渇riends鈥� when in truth they are making us overweight, unhealthy, and rotting our teeth. It is time to unfriend these pushers of sweet nothings,鈥� Dr Freeman said.
Dr Rooney added: 鈥淚f there鈥檚 one piece of advice that individuals can take on to improve their current health and prospects for later life - reducing added sugar intake would be it.鈥�
University of Sydney panelists:
- , Senior Lecturer, Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Charles Perkins Centre
- , Senior Lecturer, Public Health, School of Public Health and Charles Perkins Centre
- , Chair, Medicines Use and Health Outcomes, Faculty of Pharmacy and Charles Perkins Centre
- , Paediatric Dentist, Lecturer, Faculty of Dentistry
Event details:
奥丑别苍:听Wednesday 15 March 2017,听6.00pm - 7.30pm
Where:听The University of Sydney, Charles Perkins Centre Auditorium, John Hopkins Drive
Cost:听Free and open to all with registration requested.
RSVP:听Register听