A new app that tells parents and children how much sugar is in the food they eat has been launched by Public Health England (PHE) in a bid to combat obesity and encourage families to lead a healthier lifestyle. The new free Sugar Smart app forms part of PHE’s latest Change4Life campaign, and allows users to scan over 75,000 bar codes on products to make them aware how much sugar they're consuming in cubes and grams, making it quick and simple for parents to visualise just how much sugar they're feeding their children, which is often far more than they assumed. The app also includes recipes and discounts for healthier alternatives, as well as weekly email tips to help parents reduce the amount of sugar they give to their children.
Change4Life Sugar Boy
Change4Life has also created an eye-opening short film to accompany the Sugar Smart app, which warns parents about the health harms of eating and drinking too much sugar, including becoming overweight and tooth decay. In 2013, almost a third (31%) of 5-year-olds and almost half (46%) of 8-year-olds had tooth decay, the most common reason for 5-to 9-year-olds being admitted to hospital. The film brings to life the excessive amount of sugar consumed by the average child per year, currently 3 times the new maximum recommended daily amount.
Public Health England's app tells parents and children how much sugar is in the food they eat
The campaign follows revelations that 4-to-10 year olds consume over 5,500 sugar cubes a year, or around 22kg; the average weight of a 5-year-old. According to Change4Life, around 30% of the sugar in children’s diets comes from sugary drinks, and kids are consuming three times the amount of sugar that they should be. Obesity costs the NHS £5.1 billion per year and is projected to rise to £9.7 billion by 2050, with wider costs to society estimated to reach £49.9 billion per year. The campaign reveals the sugar content of everyday food and drink; a chocolate bar contains 6 cubes of sugar, a small carton or pouch of juice drink contains over 5 cubes and there are 9 sugar cubes in a can of cola, instantly taking children up to or over their recommended maximum for the day.
Change4Life Sugar Smart
Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist for Public Health England, said: “Children are having too much sugar, 3 times the maximum recommended amount. This can lead to painful tooth decay, weight gain and obesity, which can also affect children’s wellbeing as they are more likely to be bullied, have low self-esteem and miss school. Children aged 5 shouldn’t have more than 19 grams of sugar per day. That’s 5 cubes, but it’s very easy to have more. That’s why we want parents to be “Sugar Smart”. Our easy to use app will help parents see exactly where the sugar in their children’s diet is coming from, so they can make informed choices about what to cut down on.”
The Sugar Smart campaign will launch with television, digital and outdoor advertising
The Change4Life Sugar Smart campaign launches with television, digital and outdoor advertising, and updated web content from this week across the UK. Five million Sugar Smart packs will be given away to primary age children and their families via schools, local authorities and retailers. A nationwide roadshow will take place across 25 locations from 18th January. Five major supermarkets have also pledged to support the campaign through educating and helping customers make healthier food choices when shopping.
Jamelia gets Sugar Smart
Search “Change4Life” online to download the new free app and get hints and tips to cut down on sugar. Change4Life will also be releasing further information throughout the campaign, including a Sugar Smart mini series featuring Jamelia (above) and Amanda Ursell, with lots of practical tips for parents on how to eat less sugar.
