Excess sugar consumption puts children at risk of obesity, paediatrician warns

A leading paediatrician at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) has sounded the alarm over the health risks faced by Nigerian children who consume excessive amounts of free sugars. Dr. Usman Ibrahim, a Senior Registrar in Paediatrics at LUTH, warned that high sugar intake can lead to childhood obesity, dental problems, and long-term conditions such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos, Dr. Ibrahim emphasized that free sugars—found in table sugar, processed foods, soft drinks, fruit juices, and honey—pose serious health threats when consumed in large quantities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that free sugars should make up less than 10 percent of daily energy intake for both children and adults. However, Dr. Ibrahim noted that excessive sugar consumption disrupts this balance, leading to weight gain and obesity. He explained that when children consume more calories than they burn, the excess energy is stored as fat, which increases the risk of insulin resistance and metabolic disorders. Additionally, high sugar intake can displace nutrient-rich foods in a child’s diet, impairing growth and development.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that children under two years old should avoid foods and drinks with added sugars, recommending only 100 percent fruit juice for those aged one and above. Dr. Ibrahim urged parents to be vigilant about hidden sugars in common snacks, drinks, and processed foods. He also highlighted the link between sugar and dental health, explaining that oral bacteria feed on sugar, producing acids that erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities, infections, and tooth loss.

Children are naturally drawn to sweet foods due to biological preferences, and some parents unintentionally encourage sugar consumption by using sweets as rewards. To reduce intake, Dr. Ibrahim advised providing balanced meals, encouraging water consumption, and offering healthier alternatives such as whole fruits, plain yoghurt, and age-appropriate nuts. He also stressed the importance of reading food labels and choosing low-sugar snacks, while setting an example through healthier eating habits.

Schools were encouraged to educate children about the dangers of excessive sugar and implement policies restricting sugary foods during celebrations. Dr. Ibrahim also explained the two main types of diabetes: type 1, an autoimmune condition requiring lifelong insulin therapy, and type 2, often linked to obesity and insulin resistance. Symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, hunger, and weight loss. Preventive measures include reducing sugar intake, promoting physical activity, and avoiding sedentary lifestyles.

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