People should limit their sugar intake to no more than 10 per cent of their diet, eat more fruit and vegetables, and exercise moderately to reduce the risks of chronic diseases, an expert panel said Monday.

A panel of 30 international experts compiled the report, which was jointly issued by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization. The report advises government on ways of changing diets and lifestyle to tackle increases in heart disease, some cancers, diabetes and obesity.

The experts oppose a diet of high-calorie foods, rich in saturated fats and sugars. A diet abundant in fruits and vegetables is recommended, together with an active lifestyle.




The panel's recommendations include:
  • eating carbohydrates for between 55 and 75 per cent of daily energy intake
  • eating protein for a further 10 to 15 per cent
  • restricting added sugars from honey, syrups and fruit juices to below 10 per cent
  • cutting salt to less than five grams a day
  • undertaking moderate physical activity such as walking for at least an hour a day

In September, the U.S. Institute of Medicine recommended that sugar could make up to 25 per cent of calories.

The UN experts set the 10 per cent limit because of increasing evidence of a link between weight gain and dietary sugar, as well as increasing tooth decay.

In 1998, 47.9 per cent of Canadians were overweight, according to Statistics Canada. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say about two-thirds of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese.

Obesity rates are also increasing more rapidly in developing countries than in rich nations.