Professor of Nutrition at the Department of Family Health and Community Health at the Fred N Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Professor Francis B. Zotor, has urged the public, especially parents with children, to desist from patronizing sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs).
According to Professor Zotor, sugar-sweetened beverages are liquids that are sweetened with various forms of added sugar like brown and white sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, molasses, raw sugar and many others. Professor Zotor gave the advice during a campaign float along the streets of Ho against sugar-sweetened beverages.
He noted that these beverages are bought everywhere by both the poor and the rich because they are sweet and very affordable but have adverse effects on the society, especially children.
“The rich and the poor can afford to purchase and use them. In homes, one can easily wipe the tears of a crying child since SSB readily compensates for that matter. These SSBs are liquids that are sweetened with various forms of added sugars like white or brown sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glucose, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, lactose, malt syrup, maltose, molasses, raw sugar, and sucrose. They usually come in the form of regular soda (not sugar-free), fruit drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, sweetened waters, as well as coffee and tea beverages with added sugars,” he said. Prof Zotor noted that unfortunately, in Ghana and other low-middle income countries (LMICs), SSBs have become an attractive market for beverage companies owing to the rapid economic growth of middle-class, and youthful populations.
He noted that over 70% of Africa’s population is under 30 years old and it is worrying when one considers what effect these sugar-sweetened beverages would have on the next generation. “There is a plethora of research that has linked the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages to the increase of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, kidney diseases, non-alcoholic liver disease, strange cancers, most of which could lead to sudden and untimely deaths.
“Studies have shown that tooth decay and cavities, gout, and a type of arthritis are also associated with excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages,” Professor Zotor said. He noted that the consumption of sugar creates neurological changes in the brain that also occur with addictive drugs which releases chemicals that create euphoria and pleasurable feeling and thus might be expected to have addictive potential.
He noted that the low cost of sugar-sweetened beverages is affecting health and the government. Africa by 2030 will be spending in excess of $4 billion on health alone, money which can be used for other things. Prof Zotor, however, appealed to the public especially parents to try as much as possible to avoid anything related to sugar. Prof Zotor called for the active engagement of all stakeholders as a first step to putting a stop to sugar-sweetened beverages.
“The time has come to openly have discussions on the impact of sugar on our overall health and well-being. Ghana and Africa-wide need consensus building and the promotion of local actions as well as innovations for addressing sugar-sweetened beverages in our urban and rural communities, the time to act is now here,” said Vice President of the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dr Percival Agordoh.
He said the purpose of the float was to educate the public on the dangers of sugar-sweetened beverages and the urgent need to avoid them. Dr Percival Agordor noted that soft drinks and sugar-sweetened beverages are harming the lives of Ghanaians especially children, a situation which has become worrying and thus needs urgent attention.
“Everywhere you pass, you will see a shop that is selling something that has sugar in it. In fact, almost all shops selling something that connects with these things, and we know that the more we consume them, people get dental cavities. Children’s teeth are no longer as strong as they should be,” Dr Agordor said. Dr Agordor noted that a child who takes sugar-sweetened beverages becomes obese which, according to him is very dangerous for their health.
He urged parents to try as much as possible to make sure that their children desist from taking such beverages. The Head of Department of Family Health and Nutrition and Senior Lecturer at the School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dr. Isaac Agbemafle, noted that it is important for the public to stop patronizing sugar-sweetened beverages in the country.
According to Dr Isaac Agbemafle, immediately after the public stops patronizing companies producing such beverages, shops will also stop buying from the production companies which will eventually help reduce the intake of the products and the companies fold up naturally due to low patronage. Dr Agbemafle noted that the public must change their attitudes towards taking care of themselves and eating healthy instead of buying such unwholesome products which only damages their health.
“It is better and important to stop patronizing sugar-sweetened beverages from the shops so the shops can also stop patronizing from the production companies and when that happens, the companies will pack and go,” Dr Agbemafle said.
Source: Ivy Setordji
