How can we fight diabetes if water costs more than sugary drinks?

In our fight against obesity and diabetes, one must count our calories.

The World Health Organisation recommends that less than 10 per cent of our daily calorie intake be in the form of free sugar (that is, sugar not contained in food).

Doctors generally discourage the public from consuming soft drinks or other sweetened beverages, as these contain free sugar and high calories.

My family and I appreciate the Government’s good work in providing lots of exercise facilities like indoor gyms, outdoor exercise stations, and running and cycling tracks. We frequently ride bicycles in the park connectors.

There are vending machines along the paths to allow users to rehydrate themselves. Yet, to my disappointment, most vending machines sell sweetened beverages, which are unhealthy. 

Over the weekend, I saw a particular vending machine at Kallang Riverside Park, where a bottle of water was sold at S$1.20. It was more expensive than sweetened drinks, a variety of which were going for S$1.

The water was tucked at the top corner, seemingly to make it less obvious than the other drinks.

I suggest that the Ministry of Health and the National Parks Board ensure plain drinking water is available in all vending machines in Singapore to provide the public with a healthy choice. 

I further suggest plain drinking water be the cheapest item in the vending machines, to encourage the public to drink it rather than the unhealthy sweetened drinks.

Free sugar is now being considered poison by many doctors. It is time for the Government to curb its consumption further.

ABOUT THE WRITER: 

Dr Desmond Wai is a gastroenterologist and hepatologist in private practice.

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