​Lack of awareness among youngsters about hidden sugars in processed food

Tamil Murasu

Ninety per cent of youngsters showed little or no interest in knowing about the hidden sugars present in processed and packaged foods. A study by a student research group in NTU revealed that when shown eight different hidden sugar forms, students were unable to recognise them. The students also do not spend time to read the nutrients and ingredients label on the packaged items. In the research that was carried out from 4 to 16 November last year, students aged 18 to 24 years were surveyed. Upon release of the research results, the final year student group from NTU’s Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information started their campaign to raise awareness about hidden sugars, which can cause diabetes, obesity and heart diseases. Despite being educated and exposed to health shows on television, youngsters remain complacent about the health dangers caused by these hidden sugars.