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Waitemata District Health Board elected member Allison Roe is calling out sugar as one of the main reasons children may not live longer than their parents.
The former New Zealand athlete and current Rodney Local Board member has highlighted sugar as a major factor behind why New Zealand has the third highest rates of obesity in the OECD.
Ms Roe says some science suggests that problems associated with obesity caused by sugar, such as type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease, will limit the lifespan of today’s younger generation.
“In the late 1970s, the low-fat diet started to become fashionable, but the food manufacturers replaced fat with sugar, which is highly addictive and makes us want to eat more.”
Ms Roe says it’s especially concerning to see increasing amounts of sugar in baby foods and drinks.
She says it’s difficult to break the trend in obesity statistics because of the advertising behind sugary foods and a lack of education.
Rodney-based MP and Minister for Children Tracey Martin agrees that education around eating choices is an issue, but would also like to see increased options for exercise.
“There’s no silver bullet to this issue, but I think getting diet right is a good way to start and we need to educate people about how to do this,” Ms Martin says.
“I don’t support a sugar tax, but if people can learn to eat a balanced diet we wouldn’t need one.
“We also need more options for people to stay fit, like giving them the ability to walk to school and promoting activities like tai chi for those who don’t want to play mainstream sports.”
For advice on healthy eating and exercise visit health.govt.nz/your-health/healthy-living/food-activity-and-sleep
