Parents are urged to cut back on sugary foods and drinks after a University of Indonesia specialist warned that routine exposure to added sugar can encourage excess calorie intake, obesity and tooth decay.
Parents should pay close attention to how much sugar their children consume, a Jakarta nutrition specialist has warned, saying that excessive sweetness can quietly shape long-term eating habits and raise the risk of obesity and other health problems.
Diana Sunardi, a clinical nutrition specialist and lecturer at the University of Indonesia’s medical faculty, said the World Health Organization advises keeping free sugars below 10% of total daily energy intake, with a further reduction to under 5% offering added health benefits. The WHO defines free sugars as those added to food and drinks by manufacturers, cooks or consumers, as well as sugars naturally present in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates.
Sunardi said young children need careful supervision because sugary foods and drinks can easily become routine rather than occasional treats. She warned that added sugar can push children into excess calorie intake, which in turn increases the likelihood of obesity. The WHO has also linked higher intake of sugar-sweetened drinks and free sugars with weight gain and tooth decay in children.
Health authorities outside Indonesia have issued similar warnings. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says too much added sugar is associated with weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease, while the American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to limit sugary drinks and other foods with added sugar. For families, the practical message is straightforward: reduce sweetened snacks and drinks, watch portion sizes, and encourage children to stay active so that energy intake and energy use remain in balance.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
