Recent findings from the Fiji STEPS Survey 2025 have highlighted a concerning trend in the high consumption of free sugars among Fijians, especially among young adults. The data points to significant long-term risks linked to obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay, drawing attention to the dietary habits prevalent in the island nation.
Free sugars, which are either added to foods and drinks during production or by consumers at home, were evaluated through two primary measures: the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and the amount of sugar added to drinks. On average, Fijians consume about 1.1 sugar-sweetened beverages per person each day, with a notable difference between genders; men report an average of 1.2 beverages per day, while women consume about 0.9.
The survey indicated that consumption of these beverages decreases with age. Young adults aged 18 to 29 are the highest consumers, averaging 1.4 drinks daily, followed by those aged 30 to 44 at 1.1, 45 to 59 at 0.8, and individuals aged 60 to 69 at just 0.5 drinks per day.
In terms of added sugars, Fijians average 4.9 teaspoons of sugar added to drinks each day, including beverages such as tea, coffee, and chocolate drinks. Young adults again lead in this category, with an average of 5.3 teaspoons per day, which gradually decreases with age—5.0 teaspoons for those aged 30 to 44, 4.6 for 45 to 59, and 3.7 for those aged 60 to 69. Interestingly, men tend to add more sugar to their drinks, averaging 2.2 teaspoons, compared to women who add about 1.9 teaspoons.
The survey also revealed that more than half of the population (52.9%) has been advised by a health professional to reduce their intake of sugary drinks in the past year. However, the guidance appears to be less prevalent among younger adults, with only 38.2% of individuals aged 18 to 29 receiving this advice, compared to 63.3% among those aged 60 to 69.
These findings shed light on the essential need for health education initiatives targeted at young adults in Fiji, as increased awareness and proactive measures may help mitigate health risks associated with high sugar consumption. With more robust public health campaigns and targeted advice from health professionals, there is a hopeful outlook for improved dietary habits and overall health outcomes in Fiji moving forward.
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