Put minimum price on sweets to cut obesity, say doctors

DOCTORS are calling for a minimum price on sweets as part of the fight against obesity.

They say the move would push up the price of the most sugar-laden snacks, deterring children and adults from buying them.

It comes as figures reveal NHS spending on treatment for obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, as well as weight loss drugs and indigestion remedies, has soared to just over £1billion a year.

This represents a 65 per cent rise over the past 10 years and means the NHS is spending more on obesity-related problems than it does on hip operations for the elderly.

The Government is already introducing a ‘sugar tax’ on soft drinks and campaigners want this to be extended to sugary food.

The proposal for a minimum price on sweets, from doctors in Scotland, will be discussed at the British Medical Association’s Annual Representative Meeting later this month. The BMA’s Agenda Committee has also tabled a similar motion. Doctors will vote on the motions at the meeting in Bournemouth and if approved they could become BMA policy.

While some experts believe forcing up the prices of sweets and chocolate is one of the best ways to tackle obesity, the move has angered the food industry.

David Thomson, of the Food and Drink Federation Scotland, said last night: ‘These kinds of taxes across the world have failed to make any lasting or significant difference to obesity. We support industry efforts in changing recipes to reduce fat, salt and sugar.’

Linda Bauld, professor of health policy at the University of Stirling, said: ‘Price influences behaviour. We need a comprehensive policy to tackle obesity and this would be worth investigating.’