Abstract:
Introduction
In the last fifty years, sugar consumption has tripled worldwide.
More than 500 calories a day are consumed by young people. This
high calorie consumption is the result of using sugary foods and
drinks processed with caloric sweeteners, especially table sugar.
However, most of the reported data indicate that sugar intake is
higher than the level recommended. The prevalence of obesity in
children and adolescents has increased year on year in countries
around the world, and the burden of various chronic diseases
become a serious public health problem. Over 380 million children
and adolescents worldwide suffer from obesity and related chronic
diseases.
Material and methods
The research project was conducted in the Department of Preventive
Medicine, Discipline of Hygiene of USMF "Nicolae Testemitanu" in
the period 2024-2025. In accordance with the proposed aim and
objectives, a descriptive study was conducted on a group of 202
young people who answered a set of questions regarding the
consumption of products containing sugar.
Results
Consumption of added sugars is implicated in increased risk of a variety of diseases including obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes
and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as well as some cancers.
According to statistical data, sugar imports into the Republic of
Moldova substantially exceed exports of this food product, which
demonstrates high consumption at national level. The survey data
shows that although 90.6% of respondents are aware that excessive
sugar consumption has a negative impact on health – white bread,
chocolate and peanut paste, sugar products commercially canned
foods, sweetened drinks and processed meats are among the
favorite products among young people. Intake of these foods
essentially reduces the consumption of products recommended by
the World Health Organization such as quality proteins (meat, fish),
fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereals. Compared to other
countries, domestic food products are higher in sugar. Chocolate and
biscuits contain the most sugar (60 g and 20,7 g respectively per 100
g of preparation). Of dairy products – yoghurt (11.8 g) and beverages
– Coca-Cola and Fanta (10.5 g per 100 ml).
Conclusions
In the context of reducing sugar intake, at national level, in addition
to the educational measures carried out to raise awareness of the
impact of sugar on the health of the population, drastic policies are
also needed to reduce marketing campaigns as well as taxing food
products not recommended for daily consumption. Education and
healthy eating and limiting sugar consumption have a positive impact
on the health of family members. Providing more educational
opportunities for young people is one of the most effective public
investments in health and society.
