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Current Nutrition Reports
Published in: Current Nutrition Reports 4/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Obesity | Diabetes and Obesity (CB Chan, Section Editor)

Insights on the Influence of Sugar Taxes on Obesity Prevention Efforts

Authors: Melissa A. Fernandez, Kim D. Raine

Published in: Current Nutrition Reports | Issue 4/2019

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review will present the latest evidence on the impacts of sugar taxes on obesity with a focus on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB).

Recent Findings

Evidence of direct impacts of SSB taxation policies on obesity prevalence continues to be limited. Natural experiments involving SSB taxation policies implemented in Mexico and Berkley, CA, indicate that this type of intervention alters beverage consumption patterns. Naturalistic evidence in combination with modeling studies suggests that SSB taxation is a viable anti-obesity policy. However, researchers and public health practitioners need to be vigilant of industry tactics to curtail SSB lowering efforts.

Summary

To maximize the impacts of SSB taxation, it should be combined with interventions that increase access to non-sweetened beverages, educate consumers about alternative healthy beverages, and explore taxation of other non-nutritive foods and beverages. Furthermore, both intended and unintended consequences of interventions should be closely monitored.
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Metadata
Title
Insights on the Influence of Sugar Taxes on Obesity Prevention Efforts
Authors
Melissa A. Fernandez
Kim D. Raine
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Nutrition Reports / Issue 4/2019
Electronic ISSN: 2161-3311
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-019-00282-4

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