Avoid taking cakes to the workplace, says food watchdog

A dental hygienist has welcomed news that the chairman of a UK food watchdog has criticized the ‘cake culture’ prevalent in many UK workplaces.

Professor Susan Jebb, chair of the Food Standards Agency, this week compared sugary treats in the workplace to passive smoking.

She suggested fostering a “more supportive environment” by removing the temptation of unhealthy snacking.

speaking in The temperature, Professor Jebb also expressed his frustration at the delay in the TV turnaround for junk food advertising. She said more GPs should respond to weight issues and offer dietary advice to patients.

Dental hygienist Tim Ives, who has researched the dental profession’s approach to limiting sugar, argues that dental professionals could do more to encourage healthier work environments.

He said: “Last week I placed a poll on a dental hygiene and therapy forum asking if anyone worked in a sugar-free practice.” Out of 167 responses, none did. It is alarming.

“Dental disease statistics get worse with the amount of sugar consumption spiraling out of control. I think the dental profession should lead by example.

Decay

According to the latest data, 27% of the adult population has untreated dental caries on an average of two teeth.

Additionally, tooth decay is the leading reason for hospital admissions among five- to nine-year-olds, with approximately one in four (23%) five-year-olds suffering from tooth decay.

Tim added: “I’ve always had a ‘bee in my hood’ about our profession not taking this seriously enough. In 2021 and 2022, I undertook two research projects, both published in the Dental Health Annual Clinical Journal.

“In the first research, I wanted to see how difficult dental hygienists and dental therapists would find it if they tried to stop added sugar.” Most failed, with many finding they were addicted to sugar.

“In the second part of the research, I created a ‘no added sugar tribe’, which had some interesting results. I now have over 200 dental hygienists and therapists looking for support to quit sugar.

“Dental teams should have serious discussions about sugar addiction and create sugar-free zones in the workplace. What messages do we send to our patients when we advise them to reduce/stop sugar when our staff room is full of it?

“Given the current status quo regarding disease levels and patient access to care, I think it’s time for dental professionals to take the lead on this.”

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Obesity epidemic

The Health Survey for England 2021 estimates that 25.9% of adults in England are obese, with 37.9% overweight but not obese.

The survey, published in December 2022, found that men are more likely than women to be overweight or obese (68.6% of men, 59% of women). People between the ages of 45 and 74 are the most likely to be overweight or obese.

The estimated annual cost of obesity is £58 billion.

Last year, the government has postponed its anti-obesity measure from a swing for TV adverts selling foods high in fat, salt and sugar. It will not come into force until 2025.

Last week, guidelines introduced in the United States by the American Academy of Pediatrics indicated that obese children should be treated early and medication or surgery should be key considerations.

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