Sugar Intake Not Associated With Obesity Survey

New Zealanders' intake of sugar is not associated with being overweight or obese, new research released by the Sugar Research Advisory Service has found.

The New Zealand research, headed by University of Otago's Dr Winsome Parnell and recently published online by Public Health Nutrition, examined data collected in the most recent New Zealand nutrition surveys for adults and children.

"We found that current intake of total sugars was actually significantly lower amongst obese children, compared to normal-weight children," Dr Parnell said.

"In both adults and children, those who consumed the least sugars from foods were actually significantly more likely to be overweight or obese."

The research, analysing 24-hour food recall data collected in the National Nutrition Survey (1997) and Children's Nutrition Survey (2002), also showed no relationship between current intake of sugary drinks and body weight, Dr Parnell said.

"This study is the only one of its kind using New Zealand data and shows current intake of sugars is not related to current weight status."

The surveys involved 4379 adults - aged over 15 years - health club and 3049 children, aged between five and 14.

The Sugar Research Advisory Service (SRAS) is an information service funded by the New Zealand Sugar Company Limited. It is advised by a panel of independent health and nutrition experts.