Childhood obesity in Armenia linked to high sugar intake, low physical activity

Excess weight and obesity remain widespread among children in Armenia, driven in part by high consumption of free sugars and declining physical activity, according to the Ministry of Health.

Health officials warn that excessive intake of free sugars contributes to weight gain and obesity, increasing the risk of noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.

Free sugars include those added to foods and beverages by manufacturers, cooks or consumers, as well as naturally occurring sugars found in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates.

The World Health Organization states that while sugars provide energy — 4 kilocalories per gram — they are not essential nutrients. It recommends that children aged under 2 avoid foods and drinks containing added sugars. For children over age 2, adolescents and adults, free sugar intake should be limited to less than 10% of total daily energy consumption — about 50 grams, or roughly 12 teaspoons, in a 2,000-calorie diet.

Much of the sugar consumed today is “hidden” in processed foods not typically considered sweets. For example, one tablespoon of ketchup contains about 4 grams of sugar, while a single bottle of sugar-sweetened soda may contain 40 grams or more.

Health authorities recommend reducing consumption of high-sugar foods and beverages, including sugary drinks and confectionery, and replacing sweet snacks with fresh fruits and raw vegetables.

Officials also note a concerning trend: as children grow older, physical activity declines while consumption of sugary foods increases, contributing to persistently high rates of overweight and obesity.