Energy drinks could be banned for under-16s and the number of takeaways selling hot food limited near schools to try make young people healthier and stop rising obesity rates. Concerns have been raised that the rising consumption of high-caffeine energy drinks is impacting students' educations.
Some energy drinks have 21 teaspoons of sugar and the same caffeine in as three cups of coffee. Research shows that children who drink at least one energy drink per week are more likely to report symptoms such as headaches, sleep problems and stomach problems as well as low mood and irritability. There is also evidence to link regular energy drink consumption with low educational engagement.
In Wales, approximately 1.5 million adults are overweight with 600,000 of those people being obese. More than one in four of children in Wales are overweight or obese when they start primary school.
It is estimated obesity costs the NHS £6.1 billion per year across the UK. A consultation has now been launched by the Welsh Government which will also look at restricting the promotion of foods high in fat, sugar or salt, ending free refills on sugary drinks and expanding the publication of calories on menus.
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Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Lynne Neagle said: "It’s clear that children and adults in Wales are not eating balanced diets, we have fallen into a pattern where foods high in fat, sugar or salt are readily available. We want to hear people’s views on how we can support the nation to be healthier and to reduce the number of people who are obese or overweight. Often, foods that are sugary or high in fat or salt are more readily available and promoted, making it harder for people to make the healthy choice.
"We know this is a difficult time for people with the growing cost of living crisis putting huge pressure on people financially. However we also know If current obesity trends continue, more people in Wales will die prematurely from cancer, heart disease, liver disease and type 2 diabetes. We need an open and frank conversation about how we can create a step change in our choices and behaviours. We are talking about reversing significant issues which have built up over generations in our food environment. I am launching the consultation today to start that conversation."
The latest National Diet and Nutrition Survey shows people are consuming too much sugar, saturated fat and salt and too many calories, but not enough fibre, fruit and vegetables. The survey shows that young people aged between 11 and18 years consume up to three times the recommended maximum amount of sugar.
The consultation will ask if energy drinks should be banned and whether planning for new hot food takeaways takes into account how close they are to schools and colleges. Ms Neagle said: "The proposals set out in this consultation would support the long-term health and wellbeing of our nation. If we continue as we are, then sadly more lives will be adversely affected by ill health, both physically and mentally." The consultations will run until September 1, 2022.
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