Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
WHO Suggests Substantial Tax On Sugary Drinks To 'Save Lives,' Cut Health Care Costs
The New York Times: W.H.O. Urges Tax On Sugary Drinks To Fight Obesity
The World Health Organization on Tuesday urged countries to impose a tax on sugary drinks to battle the growing obesity epidemic and presented new data on the beneficial health effects of such a tax. A tax on sugary beverages raising their price 20 percent would result in a proportionate reduction in their consumption, the agency said. That would advance the fight against obesity, which has more than doubled since 1980. About half a billion adults were obese in 2014, roughly 11 percent of men and 15 percent of women. (Tavernise, 10/11)
Los Angeles Times: World Health Officials Want Super-Size Tax On Soda And Sugary Drinks, But Are Countries Ready To Swallow That?
The World Health Organization is backing a controversial remedy to reverse the global rise in obesity and type 2 diabetes — a 20% to 50% soda tax. The recommended tax should not be limited to soda, the WHO said Tuesday. It should apply to all sugar-sweetened beverages, a category that includes sports drinks, energy drinks, fruit punch, sweetened iced tea, vitamin waters and lemonade. (Kaplan, 10/11)
