Why sugar consumption is not dangerous- Don

 A senior lecturer at Eko University of Medicine (EkoUnimed), Ijanikin, Lagos, Dr Godswill Iboma has urged Nigerians to get the right knowledge about sugar consumption and its negative effects if taken in excess.

According to him, many people have a shallow knowledge about sugar intake, linking Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) to obesity and diabetes and many other non-communicable diseases.

Whereas the Don said, science has never proven that SSBs are actually fueling obesity and diabetes or any other non-communicable diseases.

Iboma gave this explanation at a recent workshop organised by the Community Health Empowerment Foundation in Lagos.

The workshop, which has “Debunking the linkages between non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs)” as its theme, brought together stakeholders in the health and education sectors, including the media.

 According to the public health physician, “Sugar has been demonised for centuries alongside alcohol and tobacco. But unlike tobacco and alcohol, there is no conclusive evidence that moderate sugar consumption directly causes non-communicable diseases.

Citing recent studies from the European Journal of Internal Medicine (2022) and Frontiers in Nutrition (2023), Iboma, who is an executive member of the foundation, explained that while excessive sugar intake can contribute to calorie imbalance, the real drivers of obesity, diabetes, and heart-related disease are overall dietary patterns, physical inactivity, and metabolic and genetic factors.
He stated, “It’s not about sugar in isolation. It’s about balance: how much we consume, and how our bodies process energy.

“So, beyond taste, sugar plays a critical biological role in human health and daily function. It is the primary source of glucose, the fuel that powers our brain, muscles, and vital organs.

“Without adequate glucose, the body’s energy systems falter, leading to fatigue, cognitive decline, and metabolic stress.

“Carbohydrates, including sugars, are not enemies. They are essential nutrients that provide the energy for physical activities, mental alertness, and overall body function.”

Iboma explained further that glucose is the body’s preferred energy source. The brain alone consumes nearly 20 per cent of the body’s total glucose supply at rest.

“In moderate quantities, sugars contribute to a balanced diet, support muscle recovery, and enhance nutrient absorption, especially when consumed as part of a diet rich in fibre, protein, and micronutrients.

 Iboma, however, warned against excessive or unbalanced sugar intake, noting that the key lies in moderation and dietary diversity.

The workshop also examined the rising use of sugar taxes as public health tools, including Nigeria’s SSB tax introduced in 2022.

While intending to curb consumption and raise revenue, Dr Iboma cautioned that such fiscal measures may not achieve meaningful health outcomes if not backed by scientific evaluation.

“Taxes may reduce sales temporarily, but they rarely reduce obesity or NCD rates in the long term,” he explained.

“So, public health policy must be based on data, not assumptions or populism.”

He referenced evidence from countries like Mexico, the UK, and South Africa, where SSB taxes led to minimal changes in consumption habits and negligible improvements in health indicators.

Instead of punitive measures, Iboma advocated for comprehensive nutrition education, community-based fitness programs, and partnerships between government and the food industry to promote reformulation, innovation, and informed consumer choice.

He also urged the media to be actively involved in educating the public on health issues of public concern and also to interpret research works accurately to avoid creating unnecessary panic or promoting half-truths.

He said, “When science is oversimplified, the public suffers, and the Media has a duty to educate, not alarm.”
Participants agreed that evidence-based reporting can bridge the gap between scientific data and public understanding, ensuring that health communication is both truthful and empowering.

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