RACP on the availability of sugary drinks in NZ schools

RACP supports action on availability of sugary drinks in NZ schools

The Royal Australian College of Physicians (RACP) welcomes the recent joint Health and Education Ministry directive urging New Zealand's 2500 schools to switch away from sugary drinks to water by the end of the year.

The directive is part of a broader Government push to prevent, and improve the health outcomes of, people with obesity.

Childhood obesity is a key issue for New Zealand. Ministry of Health figures indicate that one in nine children (aged two to 14 years) are obese (11 percent) and 22 percent are overweighti.

RACP New Zealand President Mark Lane says the College has consulted and worked with the Ministry of Health to tackle childhood obesity in this country.

“The RACP strongly supports New Zealand schools removing drinks that are high in sugar because of their impact on child health,” he says.

“Obesity and poor oral health are linked to the consumption of food and drinks that have high refined sugar content.”

The RACP has been proactively advocating for the removal of sugar-sweetened beverages from New Zealand hospitals, schools and sporting clubs since August 2015.

ENDS

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