#ParentEducation

Childhood obesity is rising, and Thai families are rethinking how sugar fits into everyday meals. New research from 2024 links excess sugar in early life to higher risks of metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and fatty liver. The findings resonate with global concerns and have clear implications for Thai parenting, culture, and public health policy.

Sugar is deeply woven into Thai life. Giving sweets as rewards for good grades and celebrating with desserts such as kanom chun, foi thong, and tong yip are cherished traditions. Health experts caution that these practices can quietly contribute to long‑term health challenges if not balanced with mindful choices.

As childhood obesity rates climb in Thailand and globally, a new wave of scientific research and expert opinion is urging parents to closely monitor—and fundamentally rethink—the role of sugar in their children’s diets. Recent findings published in 2024 highlight a clear link between early-life sugar overconsumption and the increasing burden of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and fatty liver disease. These warnings resonate not only in India, where school policies are shifting, but also have vital implications for Thai families navigating tradition, parenting, and public health.