If there’s one thing that will make us smile it’s a giant bar of chocolate. Sometimes all you need is a sweet treat to make your day that little bit better, and we aren’t the only ones who think that.

 

1,000 parents and grandparents took part in a survey carried out by Christine Shane of University College Dublin. The survey found that the main reason they give their kids sweets is to make them feel better. One in three participants said that they use the treats as a way to boost their kid’s mood.

 

A further 42 percent of people admitted that they give their children sweets just because they ask for them.

 

 

The study claimed that eating foods that are high in energy could help tackle the obesity crisis. Researchers have said that obese children are more likely to become overweight adults, which will cause numerous health issues as they enter their older years.

 

Even though 90 percent of parents said they only give their children treats at celebrations, like birthday parties, there is still a huge issue with the level of junk food children are consuming.

 

Chocolate, ice-cream and sweets were the most popular treats with children, which can cause major health issues if consumed too often.

 

 

 

Experts have stressed that children should consume no more than six teaspoons of added sugars per day.
 

In the past 40 years, the rate of childhood obesity has soared, with 50 million girls and 74 million boys worldwide classed as obese in 2016.


The dramatic increase is making people question what we can do to help children have a healthier relationship with food and exercise.

 

 

Leanne Riley of the World Health Organisation said, “The trends show that without serious, concerted action to address obesity ... the health of millions of people will be needlessly placed in great jeopardy, leading to immense human and economic costs to communities.”


How often do you give your children sweets?

Latest

Trending