Lack of exercise key to increased BMI in children
May 2010
A new independent study of scientific research has revealed that, contrary to popular theory, dietary sugars, such as those found in food and soft drinks, are not the driving factor behind rising body mass index (BMI) levels in children in the Great Britain.
The research paper, ‘Trends in energy and sugar intakes and body mass index between 1983 and 1997 among children in Great Britain’, which was conducted by independent consultant nutritionist Sigrid Gibson MA MSc RPHNutr, highlights that increased BMIs recorded in children are most likely due to reduced energy expenditure, rather than dietary factors, reinforcing the link between obesity and lack of physical expenditure of energy.
Gibson’s paper reanalyses data from two dietary surveys of British school children, one by the Department of Health in 1983 (DH) and a second by the National Diet and Nutrition Survey in 1997 (NDNS). Data from the two surveys shows no marked difference in dietary sugars intake with only 5g more consumed per day in 1997 than in 1983, and Gibson concludes that this did not account for the significant increase in BMI, equivalent to 2 – 3 kg over the period.
From 1983 to 1997 overall energy consumption decreased, largely due to reduced fat intake. This change meant that sugars represented a greater proportion of daily energy intake, even though total sugar consumption remained relatively static in comparison. The review surmises that the most likely cause for the increased BMI is a decline in energy expenditure.
A further survey conducted in Northumberland supports Gibson’s findings in relation to sugar consumption. The survey conducted in 1980, 1990 and 2000, looked at trends in children’s food and drink intake, and found that consumption of total sugars remained static at 22% across the thirty year period.
Sigrid Gibson, the review’s author, said: “There are very few studies that have assessed trends in sugar intakes over time, and particularly over such an extended period. The findings of the reanalysis strongly contradict widespread assumptions that sugar levels in the diet are responsible for rising obesity levels. With dietary sugar intakes relatively static, and overall energy consumption showing decline, increased BMI levels cannot be attributed to sugar consumption.”
Ends
Gibson S. Trends in energy and sugar intakes and body mass index between 1983 and 1997 among children in Great Britain. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics 2010, 23: (4) 371-81
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