WHO: Raising Taxes on Sugary Drinks by 20% May Reduce Cases of Obesity, Diabetes

Moscow — Taxing sugary drinks may lower their consumption and, therefore, prevent associated illnesses like obesity, diabetes and tooth decay, a study by the World Health Organization (WHO) published Tuesday revealed.

“It was concluded that there is reasonable and increasing evidence that appropriately designed taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages would result in proportional reductions in consumption, especially if aimed at raising the retail price by 20 percent or more,” the report, entitled “Fiscal policies for diet and the prevention of noncommunicable diseases,” claims.

According to WHO, more than 39 percent adults worldwide aged 18 years and older were overweight in 2014. The number of people living with diabetes has also been on the rise, from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014.

Mexico and Hungary have already introduced taxes on sugar with the Philippines, South Africa and the United Kingdom announced their intention to do so. (PNA/Sputnik) BNB/SSC