Why Increasing Sugar Tax Could Lead To A Reduction In Obesity Cases?

Going by the high sugar consumption levels around the world and the commodity’s impact on the ever rising obese population, there is need for concerted efforts to curb the menace.

Going by the high sugar consumption levels around the world and the commodity’s impact on the ever rising obese population, there is need for concerted efforts to curb the menace. But since most of us largely depend on it for domestic and industrial use, it will be unrealistic to say we can completely get rid of sugar in the market.

Looking at the big number of people who would stop at nothing just to have a bite at a cake, biscuit or sip soda, or chocolate, you will agree with me that sugar consumption is still very high. How would one regard a wedding party that goes without cutting a cake for people to share? These leave us with the only option to reduce and regulate sugar consumption rather than try the impossible of totally stopping its consumption.

The Government has the mandate and power to do this by simply enacting legislation through it relevant bodies. Laws that are aimed at providing the way forward on the amount of sugar to be brought into the country, laws aimed at setting up standard sugar prices and laws that will dictate the market prices of the commodities must be put into places in order to safeguard the health being of citizens around the world.

In simple terms, an increase in sugar prices will directly increase the prices of sodas, biscuits and other related products. If this happens, sales will go down considering that many people will turn to other less expensive. Other companies may be forced to reduce the amount of sugar in a bid to maintain their customers and the profits. Whichever the case, sugar consumption will definitely go down and hence cause a reduction in sugar –related health conditions such as obesity.

With high sugar prices or reduced sugar content in products such as beverages, reduced sweetness and taste, experts are led to believe that most people will try to find solace elsewhere just to ensure that they satisfying their craving for the sugar-related products.

Let us take this as an example:

Beverages contain the highest amount of “added sugars” i.e. sugar that is not naturally obtained from the foods we eat. Added sugar has been largely linked to the ever escalating cases of an obesity-related case around the world. This being the case, if tax on sugar is raised, the chances are that most of the products that obesity is being blamed on will shoot in prices and hence make it a bit harder for most people to keep buying them. This will definitely reduce the number of people dying as a result of obesity considering that people will go for cheaper drinks such as pure fruit juice as they contain no added sugars.

Most of these beverages contain no healthy ingredients and if they do, then to a very small percentage. Instead they act as fuel to the rising cases of obesity and diabetes among other numerous chronic human health complications.

Scientifically speaking, most people find themselves gaining weight after consuming high amounts of calorie-rich beverages. It is obvious that a bottle of soda doesn’t make one satisfied but leaves one craving for more, hence an increased amount of calories.

An increase in excise tax on beverages such as soda will automatically send prices of soda escalating high. Economically, a rise in price directly affects its supply and demand. This is because once the price of soda shoots up one will have to think twice before purchasing one and hence, causing a reduction in the number of people buying and consuming soda which will then cause an impact on the level of obesity across the world.

This tax should be imposed on products containing added sugars. With sugar prices going up, many of us who love tea will decide to take something else in its stead. But since tea in itself comes with a number of healthy benefits, taking it without sugar will definitely be the right option.

It is important to note that the world is wasting millions on obesity and other health complications and there is a great need of taking a positive step towards minimizing this loss. Increasing tax may just be one of the ideal and first steps in achieving this goal. The millions we loss yearly to the obesity scourge can be channeled to other economically viable projects and help improve the lives of many. It’s better to prevent than to treat hence a good reason for all governments across the world to vote in support of sugar tax campaign.

With the rocketing cases of obesity and overweight, high mortality rates in obese, diabetics and other sugar related health victims, an increase in sugar tax will do the trick. I advocate for this measure and believe it will be of great help and impact to many. I strongly believe that it will work.

References

https://www.glozine.com/lifestyle/health/8-tips-on-how-to-lose-weight-naturally-at-home.html

http://www.examiner.com/article/five-miracle-juice-recipes-for-healthy-weight-loss