EC Nutrition

Obesity figures, in the UK, continue to increase relentlessly and sugar is the prime culprit behind this epidemic. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, in its report, states that around 25pc adults in Britain are obese against 18pc Canada [1]. Obesity is a normal response to an abnormal stimulus- cheap, accessible food; affecting one in every four adults and one in every five children (aged 10 - 11 years) approximately [2]. Given the rise in national obesogenic environment and food related co-morbidities to a crisis point, the tax on sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) certainly is a breakthrough. SSBs are immensely palatable and high sugar density improves their shelf lives making them a suitable market for aggressive profit gains. The tax (Soft Drinks Industry Levy), which levies 24p on eight grams of sugar per 100ml drink, is a magic bullet. For, it serves to force manufacturers to seek similar but low sugar alternatives through reformation.

1. Veliz C., et al. “Sugar, Taxes, & Choice”. Hastings Center Report6 (2019): 22-31.
2. British Medical Journal. “Potential impact on prevalence of obesity in the UK of a 20% price increase in high sugar snacks: modelling study” (2019).
3. Jones C. “The UK sugar tax – a healthy start”. British Dental Journal 221 (2016): 59-60.
4. Ozer C. “Is taxing sugar-sweetened beverages a sweet deal” (2019).
5. Thornton J. “The UK has introduced a sugar tax, but will it work” (2018).
6. Pettinger T. “Sugar tax debate” (2020).
7. World Health Organization. “Obesity and overweight” (2021).