Twenty teaspoons of sugar in one drink
POPULAR slurpees and slushies are stacked with such “obscene” amounts of sugar that regular drinkers risk developing “toxic fat”, obesity experts warn.
Some of the largest contain as much as 20.4 teaspoons of sugar — almost half a week’s recommended maximum in a single cup — a review found.
Analysis of several frozen drinks sold at 7-Eleven, Hun- gry Jack’s, McDonald’s and KFC concluded most were packed with well above a day’s advised added sugar limit.
To encourage alternatives to cool off, health campaigners LiveLighter and Rethink Sugary Drink are using graphic advertising portraying a cup of fat being sipped.
‘Don’t Be Sucked In’ posters being displayed at some Melbourne bus and tram stops for two weeks caution about “obscene” amounts of sugar “that can cause toxic fat around your vital organs”.
Dietitian Alison McAleese, from Victoria’s Cancer Council and Heart Foundation’s LiveLighter program, said adults should limit added sugar intake to no more than six teaspoons daily.
Excessive added sugar consumption led to weight gain and the accumulation of toxic fat inside the abdomen. This raised the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.
7-Eleven head of marketing Julie Laycock said low-sugar Zilched Slurpees were growing in popularity.
KFC, Hungry Jack’s and McDonald’s declined to comment.