A concerning trend is emerging among Dutch youth: the consumption of sugary drinks is alarmingly high. In the Netherlands, teenagers aged 12 to 16 are averaging 9.5 glasses of sugary beverages each week, with some consuming as much as 16.5 glasses, translating to an astounding 90 sugar cubes. This figure significantly exceeds the recommended sugar intake.
Weekly soft drink consumption among Dutch youth surpasses WHO advice
A study conducted by the Amsterdam Municipal Health Service (GGD) and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam revealed that 50 percent of
children
aged 12 to 16 consume 16.5 glasses of sugary soft drinks weekly. The research covered various sugary beverages, including regular soft drinks, fruit juice, lemonades, iced tea, sports drinks, and energy drinks—essentially all sugary options that offer little nutritional benefit.
“I was quite surprised by the results of our study,” health scientist Rian Pepping
told NOS
. “The more sugar you consume, the greater your risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes.” Currently, one in seven children is classified as overweight.
The consumption of 16.5 glasses of soft drinks equates to 90 sugar cubes. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that a 12-year-old girl with a moderately active lifestyle limit her sugar intake to no more than 44 sugar cubes per week, while a 16-year-old boy with a highly active lifestyle should not exceed 78 sugar cubes. Each sugar cube contains approximately 4 grams of sugar.
This data indicates that many adolescents in the Netherlands consume sugar far beyond the recommended levels through sugary drinks alone, not even accounting for the rest of their diet. A previous
study by Maastricht UMC+
found that having just one soda per day increases the risk of high blood pressure by nearly a third.
Researchers push for tax on sugary drinks
Most young people acquire their sugary drinks from
supermarkets
, and research shows that their consumption increases if sugary drinks are readily available in the home. A significant number of participants indicated they would reduce their soft drink purchases if a 330-millilitre can cost more than 3 euros.
The
government
plans to
introduce a sugar tax
by 2030, affecting all
food
and
drinks
containing more than 6 percent sugar. However, researchers are advocating for immediate action by enforcing an additional
tax
on sugary drinks right away.
A proposed “smart sugar tax” would impose higher taxes on drinks with greater sugar content. This initiative aims to motivate consumers to opt for healthier alternatives while encouraging manufacturers to reduce sugar levels in their products.
Currently, a sugar tax exists for non-alcoholic beverages in the Netherlands, including non-alcoholic beers, fruit juices, and sodas; however, all are taxed uniformly at 26.13 euros per 100 liters, regardless of their sugar content.
Key Takeaways
- Teenagers in the Netherlands consume an average of 9.5 glasses of sugary drinks weekly.
- Half of the surveyed youth drink 16.5 glasses, equating to 90 sugar cubes.
- WHO recommendations for sugar intake are significantly lower than current consumption levels among this demographic.
- The Dutch government plans to introduce a sugar tax by 2030 to reduce sugary drink consumption.
- Researchers are advocating for immediate tax measures to address the rising sugar intake.
FAQ
What types of drinks are included in the study?
The study encompasses regular soft drinks, fruit juices, lemonades, iced teas, sports drinks, and energy drinks.
What is the proposed sugar tax aimed at?
The proposed sugar tax aims to lessen the consumption of high-sugar beverages among youth and encourage healthier choices.
How does the current sugar tax work in the Netherlands?
All non-alcoholic beverages are taxed equally, regardless of their sugar content, at a rate of 26.13 euros per 100 liters.
Why is the sugar tax important?
The sugar tax is intended to deter excessive sugar consumption, which is linked to health issues such as obesity and diabetes among adolescents.
What can be done to encourage healthier habits among youth?
Increased awareness, government regulations, and higher prices for sugary drinks could promote healthier choices among teenagers.
