Obesity is one of the biggest health challenges we face in the UK today - the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is several times higher in obese adults than in normal-weight individuals as is the risk of heart disease and stroke. The potential impact of three million diabetes sufferers on NHS resources means that obesity has become the main the focus of the government’s health agenda.

Both the government and healthcare professionals have recognised that excessive sugar consumption is one of the main causes of this epidemic and that there is a desperate need to reduce the sugar content in foods and overall levels of sugar consumption.

Primary care plays a key role in the management of overweight and diabetic patients: it is in an ideal position to educate individuals about the dangers of obesity, and provide them with information and guidance on a good nutrition.

Low calorie sweeteners, such as Canderel^®, can be used in place of sugar to help keep weight under control, as they contain fewer calories and carbohydrates, and have a greater sweetening strength compared with sugar. They are useful in a calorie-controlled diet as well in the management of diabetes, as they do not affect the sugar levels in the body.

Switching to a low calorie sweetener can have a significant impact on patients' daily calorie intake - Canderel contains less than a third of a calorie per tablet and less than two calories per teaspoon, whereas a teaspoon of sugar contains 20 calories.

Canderel is working to raise awareness of the problem of obesity and the role of low calorie sweeteners in a reduced-calorie diet. It has joined forces with the National Obesity Forum as well as Diabetes UK and has also worked to encourage additional cooperation between the government, health professionals, and the voluntary and private sectors in their work to tackle the rise of obesity in the UK.

Educational materials & further information

The Essential Low Sugar Guide 2005

As part of this drive to raise awareness of the role of sugar in the diet, Canderel has recently re-launched its low sugar guide.

This practical resource has been developed for healthcare professionals to use when helping overweight, and diabetic patients control their weight. It contains information on the dangers of obesity, the role of sugar in the diet and the glycaemic index, as well as handy charts comparing high and low sugar foods, all of which will help you communicate with and educate your patients.

For further information, or to request a free copy of the Essential Low Sugar Guide please contact Isabel Ward on 020 7861 3117, or email iward@grhealthcare.co.uk.

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