23 Jan 2017

Cultural practices could influence sugar intake

From , 7:00 am on 23 January 2017

Feasts at weddings, birthdays and funerals could be providing the perfect encouragement for Pacific people to overindulge on sugary drinks.

Excessive consumption of sugar can lead to obesity, weight gain, Type 2 diabetes, gout, and tooth decay.

University of Auckland Masters student, Paul Nai, is researching the cultural factors that can drive the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages, or SSBs, in New Zealand.

He told Daniela Maoate-Cox Pacific Islanders are the highest consumers of sugary drinks in New Zealand and accessibility may be playing a part.

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Photo: 123rf.com