How Often Do Indonesian Citizens Consume Sugary Foods and Drinks?

A significant portion of the Indonesian population appears to have a fondness for consuming sweet foods and drinks. This is evident from the report of the Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) from the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes).

According to the report, 56.2% of respondents consumed sweet foods 1-6 times a week.

Furthermore, 33.7% of respondents consumed sweet foods more than once a day. Meanwhile, only 10.1% consumed them less than 3 times per month.

The sweet foods referred to in this report are those with high and sticky sugar content.

Unlike the consumption habits of sweet foods, the frequency of consuming sweet drinks is even higher. A recorded 47.7% of respondents consumed sweet drinks more than once a day.

Then, 43.3% consumed sweet drinks 1-6 times per week, and only 9.2% consumed them less than 3 times per month.

Sweet drinks refer to beverages with high sugar content.

In addition, the Director of Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Eva Susanti, explained that the consumption of sweet foods and drinks gradually damages the body's health.

“Continuous sugar consumption can cause insulin resistance. When the body cannot use insulin effectively, there is a risk of developing diabetes if not balanced with physical activity,” said Eva, as quoted from the official Kemenkes website, Wednesday (10/1/2024).

According to her, excessive sugar consumption is also a risk factor for hypertension (high blood pressure).

Therefore, Eva recommends that people consume daily sugar according to WHO recommendations, namely 10% of total energy or equivalent to 50 grams per day.