Hidden sugar in Aussie breakfasts 'a killer', sports doctor says

A leading sports doctor has said the hidden sugar in common breakfast foods is partly responsible for the 280 diabetes diagnoses every day in Australia.

A standard breakfast of brown toast, cornflakes with milk and apple juice is perceived as healthy but has 21 teaspoons of sugar, sports doctor Peter Brukner told the Australian Health & Wellness Summit in Melbourne this morning. 

"We have a massive public health problem on our hands. A massive problem with childhood obesity that's just not going to get any better," Mr Brukner said.

"Forget low fat, sugar is evil. This is the killer."

Dr Brukner said the Australian food industry is to blame and are "selling a lie" by hiding sugar in products that are marketed as healthy.