Sugar Tax to Curb Diabetes EpidemicSugar Tax to Curb Diabetes Epidemic A proposed “sugar tax” on carbonated beverages has sparked debate as a potential measure to combat the growing diabetes crisis in Australia. Rationale for the Tax Diabetes, a chronic disease marked by high blood sugar levels, has reached epidemic proportions in the country, affecting approximately 1.5 million Australians. A parliamentary committee report highlights the link between obesity and diabetes, with sugary drinks contributing significantly to the problem. Tax Amount and Impact The Australian Medical Association proposes a tax of $0.40 per 100 grams of sugar, in line with World Health Organization recommendations. This aims to increase the retail price of sugary drinks by at least 20%, potentially discouraging consumption. Beverages Affected The tax would target water-based beverages containing added sweeteners, such as soft drinks, sports drinks, fruit drinks, energy drinks, and cordials. Milk-based drinks and fruit juice are excluded. Alternatives to Sugary Drinks To encourage healthier beverage choices, experts recommend opting for water, herbal tea, smoothies, green juice, and coconut water. These alternatives offer hydration and various health benefits without the negative impact of sugary drinks. Effectiveness Forty countries have already implemented similar taxes, including the United Kingdom, Norway, Mexico, and Chile. Studies have shown that such taxes can significantly reduce the consumption of sugary drinks and contribute to improved health outcomes. Implications The sugar tax proposal aims to promote public health by reducing the consumption of sugary drinks and curbing the diabetes epidemic. It aligns with international efforts to address the alarming rates of chronic diseases associated with unhealthy dietary habits.
You may soon have to shell out extra cash to fund your Diet Coke obsession, as a new proposal has emerged to impose a ‘sugar tax’ on carbonated drinks.
If it comes to that, we will be paying at least 20% tax on our soft drinks, which might not be such a bad idea, considering the threat it poses to our health.
The tax has come back into the spotlight after former GP and politician Dr Sophie Scamps called on the government to introduce it amid a growing diabetes epidemic, which she called a “tragedy in motion”. Dr Scamps’ call comes at a time when around 1.5 million Australians are known to be living with some form of diabetes.
Why are they proposing this tax?
Diabetes is one of the fastest growing chronic health conditions in the country, with almost 2 million people affected, so much so that one Australian is diagnosed with diabetes every five minutes.
A parliamentary committee investigating the impact of diabetes published a report on Wednesday concluding that “obesity in Australia goes hand in hand with our diabetes epidemic”.
The report found that type 2 diabetes is placing an increasing burden on health care “across virtually the entire spectrum of diseases,” from doctors treating children, pregnant women and older patients to specialists in the brain, heart, blood vessels and eyes.
The parliamentary committee, chaired by Dr Mike Freelander, made 23 recommendations, including a measure adopted by 108 other countries that Australian health campaigners say should be copied: a tax on sugary drinks.
How much tax is there?
The Australian Medical Association, the umbrella organisation for Australian doctors, recommends setting the tax at $0.40 per 100 grams of sugar. It says this is in line with the World Health Organisation’s recommendation that a tax should increase the retail price of sugary drinks by at least 20% to have a meaningful effect on health.
It focuses on water-based beverages with added sweeteners, such as high fructose corn syrup or fruit juice concentrate. These can include soft drinks, sports drinks, fruit drinks, energy drinks and cordials – beverages with a high number of liquid calories that provide virtually no nutritional value.
About 40 countries have already introduced similar measures, including the United Kingdom, Norway, Mexico and Chile.
What about fruit juice?
Although fruit juice is not included in the proposed tax, along with milk-based drinks, it should not be a substitute for whole fruit and should be consumed in moderation, as part of a balanced diet. That’s because even natural juices and smoothies, which do not contain added sugar, do not have the same benefits as whole fruit.
The sugars in fruit are in the structure of the fruit itself, but these sugars are released when the fruit is ground and are quickly absorbed by the body. If you eat these types of sugars regularly, you can damage your teeth and put yourself at greater risk of weight gain and related health problems.
Alternatives to sugary drinks
Unlike food, most beverages do not contain fiber, which makes you feel fuller for longer. This is why you are likely to feel hungry soon after drinking a sugary beverage and reach for a snack, which actually leads to more calories that day.
In addition to water and zero calorie beverages, there are several low-calorie options that offer some added health benefits. Here are a few to add to your grocery list.
1. Water
I know, I know, boring right? Not so fast. Staying hydrated is truly key to your metabolism, circulation, energy, digestion, and every function in your body.
2. Herbal tea
Green tea is linked to lower weight, BMI and body fat percentage, according to a 2019 study in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. Then there’s lavender and chamomile tea, which are helpful for relaxation, or peppermint tea, which can aid digestion.
3. Smoothie
Try to combine at least 20 grams of protein, one or two servings of fruit, a handful of spinach or other leafy greens of your choice, a serving of unsaturated fat, and a cup of water or plant-based/skim milk for the liquid.
4. Green juice
Green juices do contain many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, but they do not contain as much fiber as whole vegetables. Therefore, you should be careful about which juices you drink.
5. Coconut water
Coconut water is full of electrolytes, which are great for rehydrating the body. It is also a good source of vitamin C, magnesium, manganese, and potassium.
