Strategies to Reduce the Consumption of Foods and Drinks with High Sugar Content in the UK: A Rapid Review Approach
Excessive sugar consumption has been reported to be associated with various health issues such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and dental problems. In the UK, effective strategies have been implemented to reduce sugar intake, including the Change4Life Sugar Smart campaign, product ref...
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MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4168/5/2/36 |
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| author | Daniel Agboola Ogundijo Ayten Aylin Tas |
| author_facet | Daniel Agboola Ogundijo Ayten Aylin Tas |
| author_sort | Daniel Agboola Ogundijo |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Excessive sugar consumption has been reported to be associated with various health issues such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and dental problems. In the UK, effective strategies have been implemented to reduce sugar intake, including the Change4Life Sugar Smart campaign, product reformulation, traffic light labelling, portion control, and the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL). This review of empirical studies (n = 11) shows that product reformulation, especially in beverages and packaged foods, is effective, as consumers can prefer reduced-sugar alternatives when clearly labelled. The UK traffic light labelling scheme and portion control were also reported to help consumers make informed, healthier food choices. The SDIL, introduced in 2018, was also found to significantly lower sugary beverage consumption. While progress is evident, further nutrition education, public awareness, particularly for people with low socioeconomic status, and more comprehensive policies for long-term positive dietary behavioural shift are essential to limit diseases and conditions associated with high sugar consumption. Future research must evaluate the combined effects of these interventions and examine their long-term effectiveness across diverse population groups. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c65ed62caa7546c88efa0f621493b66f |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2673-4168 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Obesities |
| spelling | doaj-art-c65ed62caa7546c88efa0f621493b66f2025-08-20T03:29:44ZengMDPI AGObesities2673-41682025-05-01523610.3390/obesities5020036Strategies to Reduce the Consumption of Foods and Drinks with High Sugar Content in the UK: A Rapid Review ApproachDaniel Agboola Ogundijo0Ayten Aylin Tas1School of Life Sciences, University of Bedfordshire, University Square, Luton LU1 3JU, UKDepartment of Health Professions, Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BG, UKExcessive sugar consumption has been reported to be associated with various health issues such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and dental problems. In the UK, effective strategies have been implemented to reduce sugar intake, including the Change4Life Sugar Smart campaign, product reformulation, traffic light labelling, portion control, and the Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL). This review of empirical studies (n = 11) shows that product reformulation, especially in beverages and packaged foods, is effective, as consumers can prefer reduced-sugar alternatives when clearly labelled. The UK traffic light labelling scheme and portion control were also reported to help consumers make informed, healthier food choices. The SDIL, introduced in 2018, was also found to significantly lower sugary beverage consumption. While progress is evident, further nutrition education, public awareness, particularly for people with low socioeconomic status, and more comprehensive policies for long-term positive dietary behavioural shift are essential to limit diseases and conditions associated with high sugar consumption. Future research must evaluate the combined effects of these interventions and examine their long-term effectiveness across diverse population groups.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4168/5/2/36sugar reduction strategiespublic health interventionsnutrition educationdietary behaviour |
| spellingShingle | Daniel Agboola Ogundijo Ayten Aylin Tas Strategies to Reduce the Consumption of Foods and Drinks with High Sugar Content in the UK: A Rapid Review Approach Obesities sugar reduction strategies public health interventions nutrition education dietary behaviour |
| title | Strategies to Reduce the Consumption of Foods and Drinks with High Sugar Content in the UK: A Rapid Review Approach |
| title_full | Strategies to Reduce the Consumption of Foods and Drinks with High Sugar Content in the UK: A Rapid Review Approach |
| title_fullStr | Strategies to Reduce the Consumption of Foods and Drinks with High Sugar Content in the UK: A Rapid Review Approach |
| title_full_unstemmed | Strategies to Reduce the Consumption of Foods and Drinks with High Sugar Content in the UK: A Rapid Review Approach |
| title_short | Strategies to Reduce the Consumption of Foods and Drinks with High Sugar Content in the UK: A Rapid Review Approach |
| title_sort | strategies to reduce the consumption of foods and drinks with high sugar content in the uk a rapid review approach |
| topic | sugar reduction strategies public health interventions nutrition education dietary behaviour |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4168/5/2/36 |
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