Countries that have adopted clear food labels have seen the health benefits. Researchers explain how a new system to alert South African consumers to unhealthy choices was developed.
Newfoundland and Labrador has implemented a tax of 20 cents per litre on sugary drinks.
(AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
Taxation of sugar-sweetened drinks is not only inequitable, but also has the potential to create or perpetuate weight stigma, which has negative effects on mental and physical health.
The evidence is clear: a tax on sugary drinks would reduce consumption. All that’s needed is political leadership that prioritises health above the profits.
White River Primary school in South Africa, sponsored by Coca Cola.
Roo Reynolds/Flickr
A ban on sugary drinks sale and advertisements in schools is likely to hold more promise in improving the diets of children and help prevent obesity in children than voluntary actions.
The consumption of a lot of soft drinks is linked to increased obesity.
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Almost a quarter of a million New Zealanders have type 2 diabetes. If nothing is done to change the current trajectory, the number will increase by 70-90% within 20 years, warns a new report.
We’re hardwired to love sweet things, but too much sugar is leading to an increase in type 2 diabetes. Here’s what individuals and policymakers can do cut our collective sugar intake.
We found that evidence cited by three organisations - a big corporate and two industry lobby groups - was either not evidence at all, or had been twisted to suit the industry’s narrative.
Yes, fruit juice contains natural sugar, but it has other benefits over sugar-sweetened drinks.
Carlos Horta/Shutterstock
A recent study was reported as saying a sugar tax would have us drinking more alcohol. But the study didn’t establish this fact. The results were mixed with no evidence one thing caused another.
Trade and investment agreements can increase consumption of unhealthy foods, sugary drinks and tobacco – leading to soaring rates of obesity and chronic diseases globally.
(AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)
Ronald Labonte, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa
As government representatives meet at the WHO global conference on noncommunicable diseases in Uruguay this week, their focus should be on reducing the health impacts of trade deals.
Professor and Programme Director, SA MRC Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science - PRICELESS SA (Priority Cost Effective Lessons in Systems Strengthening South Africa), University of the Witwatersrand
Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne