The year 13 food and nutrition class is investigating the over-consumption of sugar in young adults. They are concerned about the large amount of sugar teenagers are consuming daily. Here is their report.

As a group we are targeting the year 9’s at Riccarton High School and how much sugar they consume per day. 

We believe that young adults are drinking too many sugary beverages like fizzy drinks, energy drinks and fruit juices. 

Just by drinking these beverages, they are already three times above their Daily Recommended Allowance of sugar.

Do you know what the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for teenagers is?

The RDA for teenageers is : 30g = 6 teaspoons = 6 sugar cubes

The issue is that NZ has an increasing rate of obesity and type two diabetes. One in nine children aged 2 to 14, are obese, and this can further increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. To stop these statistics rising quickly we need your help! 

How can you help?

• Don't have fizzy drinks at home, this means that sugary drinks are not as accessible to your child.
  
• Add water to fruit juices this will lower their sugar intake.
  
• Educate your child and make then aware of what sugary drinks can do to their body and teeth and encourage them to choose healthier options, preferably water.