Many consequences of uncontrolled use of sugary drinks by today's youth

Opening the discussion, Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Thi Thu Hien (National Institute of Nutrition) cited a number of reports stating that Vietnamese teenagers are increasingly accessing and using sugary drinks anytime, anywhere. The appeal of sugary drinks has hit the preferences and tastes of young people, leading to uncontrolled use. Meanwhile, very few families and individuals take this issue seriously.

If in 2009, the total amount of fresh water consumed in Vietnam stopped at approximately 1.59 billion liters, by 2023 it had increased more than 4 times, to about 6.67 billion liters. On a per capita basis in the same period, consumption also increased from 18.5 liters to 66.5 liters/person (an increase of 350%). It is estimated that the period 2023-2028 will witness a total increase of 36.6% in fresh water consumption.

"Regarding the immediate harm, regular consumption of soft drinks by young people with a sedentary lifestyle and little exercise will cause very serious health effects such as reducing satiety threshold and increasing consumption of other unhealthy foods. In addition, this also increases the risk of myocardial infarction or death from myocardial infarction by 20% in men and 40% in women; increases the risk of obesity-related cancers by 18%; increases the risk of bone fractures by 2.72 times and type 2 diabetes by 26%," Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Thi Thu Hien emphasized.

Many young people attended the seminar.

According to experts from the National Institute of Nutrition, adolescents should not consume more than 25 grams of free sugar (equivalent to 6 teaspoons) per day. This number includes sugar available in syrups, fruit juices, concentrated fruit juices, drinks containing added sugar during the production process, sugar in everyday dishes...

Regarding the above issue, Master, Doctor Nguyen Tuan Lam (World Health Organization Office in Vietnam) affirmed: healtheducation should be started as early as possible, especially at primary school age - the stage of forming long-term habits. Specifically, being equipped with the right knowledge will help children have a healthy lifestyle, gradually reducing their dependence on sugary products.

Comrade Cu Duc Quan, Deputy Chief of the Central Youth Union Office, Head of the Organizing Committee of the seminar, said: Over the years, the Central Youth Union has always focused on promoting education and orienting a healthy lifestyle for the young generation through programs and activities, creating an environment to improve health and physical development.

Comrade Cu Duc Quan spoke at the seminar.

According to comrade Cu Duc Quan, in the coming time, Youth Union chapters at all levels across the country will strengthen coordination with relevant medical units to promote propaganda and raise awareness among young people about the harmful effects of sugary drinks, contributing to building a healthy, proactive, confident and positive young generation.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/nhieu-he-luy-tu-su-dung-thieu-kiem-soat-thuc-uong-co-duong-cua-gioi-tre-hien-nay-post880085.html