Abstract
The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the U.K. Change4Life Sugar Swaps campaign for improving nutritional intake in a small sample of families prior to the 2015 nationwide launch. A total of 49 participants from 14 families received information and materials during a two-week intervention period in November 2014 encouraging them to swap high sugar foods and drinks for low sugar alternatives. Daily dietary intake was reported with online food diaries over four stages, each two weeks in length: (i) baseline (no information provided), (ii) intervention when Sugar Swaps materials were accessible, (iii) immediate follow-up, and (iv) one year on from baseline. Data were analysed for sugar, glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, protein, salt, fibre, vitamin C, and energy. During the intervention, significant daily reductions of 32 g sugar, 11 g fat, and 236 kcal for each family member were observed, among others, and 61% of benefits achieved during the intervention period were maintained at immediate follow-up. Encouragingly, for children, reductions in sugar, sucrose, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, and energy were observed one year on. The Sugar Swaps Campaign is potentially an effective public health intervention for improving short- and long-term dietary behaviour for the whole family.
Highlights
Increased sugar intake globally has contributed to a higher prevalence of obesity, and increased incidence of health disorders associated with excess calorie intake such as type 2 diabetes cardiovascular disease (CVD) and dental problems
Comprehensive meta-analyses show positive associations between dietary sugar intake and risk of weight gain [1] and CVD [2] and, in the U.K., an estimated 79,000 new cases of type 2 diabetes will be attributable to sugar sweetened beverage consumption between 2015 and 2025 [3]
The evidence shows that engaging in the Change4Life Sugar Swaps Campaign for a minimum of two weeks is associated with reduced consumption of sugar, fat, and energy in all members of the family
Summary
Increased sugar intake globally has contributed to a higher prevalence of obesity, and increased incidence of health disorders associated with excess calorie intake such as type 2 diabetes cardiovascular disease (CVD) and dental problems. Data support the assertion that, at a population level, reducing sugar intake will reduce levels of obesity and obesity-related disease [8]. With this in mind, in 2009, Public Health England launched the ‘Change4Life’ campaign, which was designed to engage the public and raise awareness of the impact of behavioural changes on health outcomes. In 2009, Public Health England launched the ‘Change4Life’ campaign, which was designed to engage the public and raise awareness of the impact of behavioural changes on health outcomes It has included a variety of interventions focused on increasing exercise and reducing intake of saturated fat, salt, and sugar. A complex simulation modelling of low fat/sugar substitutions in the French diet indicated positive dietary changes without loss of nutritional quality [9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
