Batang Regency, located in the northern coastal region of Central Java, has a population of more than 800,000 people, with over 20% being school-aged children. School children are the age group that most frequently consumes snacks. As times progress, school snacks are increasingly dominated by industrially produced foods. Although factory-made foods are officially licensed by the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency, we must still be wise in consuming them. Excessive consumption without being balanced by other healthy foods can still pose potential health risks. One of the ingredients that should be monitored if consumed in excess is sugar. A high sugar intake over a prolonged period can lead to various metabolic diseases, including Diabetes Mellitus.
Education on sugar consumption limits needs to be conducted to raise awareness among school children that they need to select snacks that do not harm their bodies. In August 2024, pharmacist Eva Annisaa, M.Sc., along with a team of UNDIP community service students, conducted a community service activity themed “Healthy Living by Consuming Sugar Wisely” at MTs NU 01 Banyuputih, Batang Regency. All 8th-grade students enthusiastically participated in the educational activity. Most of them were unaware that foods like biscuits and packaged drinks contain high amounts of sugar. After listening to the educational presentation, they understood that packaged foods and drinks should not be consumed excessively on a daily basis. They also learned that high sugar levels in the body could lead to adverse health effects in the future, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
