Taxes on sugary drinks recommended by WHO to curb obesity, diabetes
The U.N. health agency is recommending that countries use tax policy to increase the price of sugary drinks as way to fight obesity, diabetes and tooth decay.
In a 36-page report released Tuesday, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) urged countries to consider using tax policies to a minimum 20 percent increase price of sugary drinks like soft drinks, sport drinks and even 100-percent fruit juices.
WHO cited “strong evidence” that subsidies to reduced prices for fresh fruits and vegetables can help improve diets.
According to the U.N. health agency, the prevalence of obesity worldwide more than doubled between 1980 and 2014 when more than 1 in 3 adults globally were overweight.
A statement from Dr. Douglas Bettcher, director of WHO’s Department for the Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases (“NCD’s”) reads “If governments tax products like sugary drinks, they can reduce suffering and save lives. They can also cut healthcare costs and increase revenues to invest in health services.”
Jennifer Johnson, supervisor of chronic disease programs at the Wicomico County Health Department, says the recommendation draws lessons from campaigns to fight tobacco addiction like taxes on cigarettes.
“There are some people who will say…’oh, I don’t really want to spend that much money’. There may some that reduce how soda they drink,” explains Johnson. “Maybe they were a couple sodas a day, maybe they’ll change to one a week.”
According to Johnson, the number of adults classified as obese in Wicomico County surpasses the Maryland average at 34 percent and 29 percent, respectively.
Residents 47ABC spoke to say, a tax on sugary drinks is simply not fair.
“I don’t feel that we should be taxed because of our choices that we make. We pay enough taxes as it is,” says Salisbury resident Valerie Wallace.
Salisbury resident Eric Dorman says he doesn’t consume sugary drinks, but he also does not believe a tax on sugary drinks would help other consumers.
“Maryland already has a six percent tax,” says Dorman. “I don’t know what the other states have, so basically you’re going to tax on top of the sales tax that’s already being implemented on the drinks already?”
As for Johnson, she explains it’s important for people to realize it’s not only drinks that can contain a high amount of sugar. Certain foods also contain a high amount, so it’s crucial to pay attention to serving sizes and portions.
“When you sit down and realize how much sugar intake you’re taking in, hopefully they would realize that it’s way too much,” she says.
To find out how much sugar you should consume in a day, Johnson recommends checking out the CDC’s website.
For a full copy of the recommendation, click here.
