Carmarthenshire families are being urged kick the sugar habit by swapping the sweetener for a healthier option.

The Change 4 Life Sugar Swaps Campaign is highlighting the amount of staggering amount of sugar in the everyday food and drink we consume

Did you know for instance that there is the equivalent of seven cubes of sugar in an average can of fizzy drink?

With recent figures revealing that 22 per cent of adults in Wales are obese, and 40 per cent of seven to 11-year-olds in the country are either obese or overweight, there is no doubting the negative impact sugar is having on the health and well-being of the nation.

Most worryingly, children and young people are the biggest consumers of sugar, eating around 50 per cent more sugar than is recommended with soft drinks the main source of sugar, contributing nearly a third of all sugar consumed by 11to 18-year-olds, and 16 per cent taken for four to ten-year- olds. Breakfast cereals, biscuits, cakes, sweets and chocolate are also significant sources of sugar in our daily diets.

Consuming too much sugar can lead to weight gain and obesity, which can have serious health implications in later life. It’s also bad for our teeth.

Making a few small changes throughout the day can add up to a big drop in sugar intake.

The Change 4 Life Sugar Swaps Campaign enables parents to sign up and receive free tips, advice, vouchers and recipes, and help them make very simple changes to their eating habits.

Families who register will receive a Sugar Swaps pack complete with money-off vouchers, a fridge magnet containing a handy guide to everyday swaps, and a booklet full of ideas.

Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Ruth Hussey said: “People across Wales are eating too much sugar. It’s surprising how much sugar there is in some food and drink we give our children and these eating habits can have a huge impact on their health.

“From cereal in the morning to puddings in the evening, not to mention the sugary drinks and snacks, it all adds up.

“With the Sugar Swaps campaign we are helping families take small steps to make a huge difference to the lives of their children.”

To find out more about the campaign and how you can improve your health, just search online for Change 4 Life Wales and enter your details to receive a free pack with all you need to get started.