WHO Suggests Substantial Tax On Sugary Drinks To ‘Save Lives,’ Cut Health Care Costs
The World Health Organization has recommended the tax before, but with the new report the organization quantifies its effects.
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)
