EC Nutrition

Research Article Volume 18 Issue 1 - 2023

Is Taxing Sugar to Tackle Rising Obesogenic Environment Really a Sweet Deal?

Ramna Hamza*

Nutritionist, Pakistan
*Corresponding Author: Ramna Hamza, Nutritionist, Pakistan.
Received: January 27, 2023 Published: January 31, 2023



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.

Ramna Hamza. “Is Taxing Sugar to Tackle Rising Obesogenic Environment Really a Sweet Deal?”. ”. EC Nutrition  18.1 (2023): 71-73.