WHO recommends hefty taxes on sugary drinks to fight obesity, diabetes

The UN health agency has recommended that countries use tax policy to increase the price of sugary drinks like sodas, sport drinks and even 100 per cent fruit juices as a way to fight obesity, diabetes and tooth decay. The World Health Organization, in a statement, said that the prevalence of obesity worldwide more than doubled between 1980 and 2014, when nearly 40 per cent of people globally were overweight.

In a 36-page report on fiscal policy and diet, WHO also cited “strong evidence” that subsidies to reduce prices for fresh fruits and vegetables can help improve diets. It said that tax policies that lead to a 20 per cent increase in the retail prices of sugary drinks would result in a proportional reduction in consumption.

Drawing on lessons from campaigns to fight tobacco use, WHO says imposing or increasing taxes on sugary drinks could help lower consumption of sugars. The health agency has long recommended that people keep intake of sugar to less than 10 per cent of their total energy needs.