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An independent, not-for-profit organization funded by the generous donations of people who care about the health of current and future generations.

The average Australian consumes around 15 or 16 teaspoons of added sugar daily. Teenagers have more than 20 teaspoons. According to the WHO guidelines, for optimal health, we should limit our added sugar intake to 6 teaspoons a day.

Sugar By Half aims to cut Australia’s average added sugar consumption by half – from 16 teaspoons of added sugar per day to 8 teaspoons or less per day, bringing our average consumption within the WHO guidelines. This would be one of the quickest, cheapest, and most effective ways of preventing chronic disease and giving our kids the best opportunity to live healthy lives.

The Facts

  • We are consuming 22kg of added sugar each year
  • There is a direct link between sugary drink consumption and obesity, dental cavities, and Type 2 diabetes
  • 1 in 3 Aussie kids will be overweight or obese by 2025.
  • There are now 42 million obese children in developed countries between the ages of 0 and 5
  • Adult-onset diabetes (Type 2 diabetes) is on the rise in children and young people
  • Half of Australia’s 12-year-olds have tooth decay in their adult teeth, and more than half of 6-year-olds have decay in their baby teeth
  • Today, 280 Australians will be diagnosed with all types of diabetes

Benefits of Cutting Back on Sugar

  • GLOWING SKIN: Sugar causes inflammation and lowers immunity. Less sugar means less acne and redness, and a reduction in cold sore breakouts.
  • A HEALTHY WEIGHT: Sugar’s packed with empty calories. With childhood obesity skyrocketing, cutting down on sugar could mean a longer, healthier life for you and your child.
  • A BEAUTIFUL SET OF NUMBERS: If you’ve got issues with cholesterol or blood sugar, a reduction in sugar should improve things.
  • A CLEAR MIND: Less sugar means blood sugar levels stay even throughout the day, aiding concentration and focus – improving performance at school or work.
  • MORE ENERGY: Spikes and slumps in blood sugar levels are responsible for the famous 3 pm slump. With less sugar, your family’s energy levels will stay more even all day, meaning everyone will be just as energetic at 3 pm as they were at 10 am.
  • FEELING HAPPIER: Sugar highs and lows can be linked with mood swings. Less sugar means a better mood.
  • HAPPY KIDS:  Kids who no longer suffer from sugar rushes and crashes are happier kids. And happy kids make for happy parents.
  • IMPROVED DIGESTION: with a reduction in bloating and gassiness