Opinion
Soda taxes are not the answer to obesity in the US
Americans enjoy a lot of soft drinks. They also suffer high levels of obesity. Some people argue that sacrificing one will solve the other.
A recent US government report shows that 25% of Americans consume 200 or more kilocalories of sugar drinks on any given day, and the average for males aged 12–19 is 273 calories a day.
Hold on a moment, says the American Beverage Association. Obesity levels are indeed rising, but sugar drinks consumption has been falling.
- Total calories from beverages declined 21% between 1998 and 2008.
- Sales of regular soft drinks dropped 12.5% between 1999 and 2010.
- Sugar drinks account for only 7% of an average American’s calorie intake, according to US government figures.
I don’t believe soda taxes are the answer. The whole of society – from government to parents and from industry to schools – must unite behind making good nutrition and health choices more attractive and affordable.
Richard Hall is chairman of Zenith International. You can also read his blog at BevBlog.
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Richard Hall is chairman of Zenith International.
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