A recent survey conducted in the Kurunegala District by the Ministry of Health has raised serious concerns over the dietary and lifestyle habits of preschool-aged children, revealing that their daily sugar consumption is nearly four times the recommended limit.
Addressing the media yesterday (18) at the Health Promotion Bureau, Medical Specialist Dr. Inoka Wickramasinghe highlighted the findings during a press briefing themed ‘Communication for Child Health Promotion through Social and Behavioral Change.’
According to Dr. Wickramasinghe, the recommended sugar intake for children should not exceed five percent of their daily calorie intake and should be roughly half that of an adult’s.
However, the survey showed that children in the Kurunegala District are consuming far more than this limit, largely due to sugary drinks and snacks.
“About 60% of preschool children are addicted to sugary beverages,” Dr. Wickramasinghe noted, adding that a significant number of children are regularly given these drinks while walking home from preschool with parents or guardians.
To address the issue, the Ministry of Health is set to launch a series of health promotion programmes in preschools starting next week.
These initiatives aim to encourage healthier eating habits and reduce children’s dependence on sugar-rich products.
The survey also shed light on another growing concern — excessive screen time. Around 60% of children under five were found to be addicted to digital screens, a habit linked to a range of developmental and health issues.
As part of the recommendations, Dr. Wickramasinghe urged parents to provide their children with a balanced daily diet, including two types of vegetables, two types of fruits, and at least one type of leafy green.
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