On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, Naz Ahmed and Fidyas Ahned, who are third-year students from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Cihan University-Erbil, presented a seminar at Ishik School for high school students under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Mohammed M. Hussein. The seminar titled The Impact of Sugar Consumption on Health.
Upon arrival, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed, the school supervisor, warmly welcomed Naz Ahmed and introduced her to the students, expressing appreciation for this valuable educational initiative. During the seminar, Naz Ahmed explained how high sugar consumption contributes to obesity, diabetes, tooth decay, and energy crashes. She also highlighted the impact of sugary drinks and processed foods on concentration, mood, and overall academic performance. The seminar emphasized the importance of reducing added sugars in the diet and choosing healthier alternatives such as natural sweeteners, whole fruits, and balanced meals. She also provided practical tips on how to identify hidden sugars in packaged foods and make better choices when selecting snacks and beverages.
As part of the seminar, the students also had the opportunity to measure their Body Mass Index (BMI) to assess their weight status. Naz Ahmed guided the students through the BMI calculation process, where they recorded their height and weight, and used the BMI formula (weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) to determine whether they were underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese category. She explained how BMI serves as a general indicator of health but also noted its limitations, emphasizing that other factors such as muscle mass, activity level, and overall lifestyle must be considered when evaluating one’s health status.
The session concluded with an open discussion where students asked questions about daily sugar consumption, healthy diet planning, and ways to reduce sugar cravings. Many students expressed interest in adopting healthier dietary habits and showed enthusiasm for learning more about the impact of nutrition on overall health. The seminar not only enhanced the students’ awareness of sugar-related health risks but also gave them practical tools to make informed choices about their diet.
