Doctors in Taiwan are raising concerns about the impact of sugary foods and drinks on children's growth and development. With sweetened beverages and snacks being a staple in many children's diets, experts warn of risks including stunted growth, obesity, early puberty, and diabetes.
The proportion of overweight and obese children from elementary school to high school in Taiwan has reached about 30%, according to survey data. However, the effects of excessive sugar intake are not limited to obesity and can also affect height.
Pediatric endocrinologist Wang Lu-ting (王律婷) says that ingesting sugar triggers insulin release. Excess insulin in the blood inhibits growth hormone, causing a sharp drop in its concentration lasting between two to three hours. He explains that if children start their day with a sugary drink and consume another in the afternoon, their bodies repeatedly “switch off” growth hormone production. In the long term, this can slow down height development, potentially resulting in an adult height up to three centimeters below average.
While some children may initially seem to grow faster due to temporary bone growth stimulation, Wang warns that prolonged high insulin levels can accelerate the closure of growth plates, ultimately limiting height potential.
Beyond stunted growth and obesity, Wang says excessive sugar intake is also linked to early puberty, particularly in girls. Studies show overweight children are twice as likely to experience early puberty and five times more likely to remain obese into adulthood, increasing their risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes.