Suggestion: Is Taxing Sugary Drink and Redirecting that Revenue towards Public Health the Answer?
Meta Description: Should governments tax sugary drinks? The question is a lot deeper than we realize. There are many implications of such a move. Read this short blog and find out.
Sugar intake is a leading cause of obesity, hypertension, and dental disease. It is quite easy to consume too much glucose in today's dietary pattern, particularly from sweetened beverages. Fizzy drinks are major carbohydrates in most people's diets, and their use is on the rise in most nations, particularly among children and teenagers.
Problem:
Since 1975, the global obesity rate has nearly quadrupled. Obesity in preschool children is growing at the quickest rate in low-middle-income nations. Individuals who drink sweetened beverages daily have a 26% higher chance of acquiring type 2 diabetes than those who do not. Obesity is a substantial risk factor for cardiovascular disease, malignancies, as well as other disorders, in addition to diabetes.
What can we do?
Authorities may take a variety of steps to increase the obtainability and accessibility of nutritious foods, as well as have a beneficial impact on what people eat. The taxing of sugary beverages is a crucial measure for programs and initiatives aiming at lowering sugar intake. Sugary beverages can be taxed in the same way that cigarettes are taxed to help minimize sugar intake.
Benefits:
Sugary beverage taxes are an attempt to limit sugar intake. Data suggests that a 20% increase in the price of sweetened beverages can result in a 20% drop in demand, hence averting the obesity epidemic. According to studies, a one-cent-per-ounce tariff on sugary beverages in the United States of America would save more than 17 billion in medical costs over ten years.
The money earned through taxation can be utilized to improve access to quality health care. The income received by these tariffs may be used to strengthen healthcare programs, promote greater nutrition, boost physical exercise, or create capacity-building revenue collection, all of which would add to the measure's worth.
Conclusion:
Governments require extensive implementation plans that incorporate revenue restrictions on saccharine products and advertising them to minors. They should also funnel resources from taxing sugary drinks to bringing about awareness to minimizing overconsumption of sugar and hence reversing the obesity epidemic.
Although, a new question arises, will governments that tax sugary drinks and are already facing fiscal constraints be willing to cut down consumption? Why would they threaten a potentially endless revenue stream?
FAQs
What is the leading cause of obesity, hypertension, and dental in the world today?
Sugar intake is a leading cause of obesity, hypertension, and dental disease. It is quite easy to consume too much glucose in today's dietary pattern, particularly from sweetened beverages.
What happens if you consume sugary drinks regularly?
Individuals who drink sweetened beverages daily have a 26% higher chance of acquiring type 2 diabetes.
What are the drawbacks of taxing sugary drinks?
As has been the case with petroleum and tobacco products, governments that are already facing financial constraints may hesitate to bring about measures to reduce their consumption.
Why would the government hesitate to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks if taxed?
Reducing the consumption of sugary drinks by regulating who companies can advertise to and increasing awareness will work against some governments’ desire to maximize revenue from these products.
