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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Taxing sugar-sweetened beverages: impact on overweight and obesity in Germany

Authors: Falk Schwendicke, Michael Stolpe

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) increases the risk of overweight and obesity. Taxing SSBs could decrease daily energy consumption and body weight. This model-based study evaluated the impact of a 20% SSB-sales tax on overweight and obesity in the context of Germany.

Methods

The population aged 15–79 years was modelled. Taxation was assumed to affect energy consumption via demand elasticities, which affected weight and BMI. Model-based analysis was performed to estimate the tax impact on BMI in different age, gender and income groups.

Results

Implementing a 20% SSB tax reduced energy consumption mainly in younger age groups, males, and those with low income. Taxation decreased the mean BMI in younger groups, with the largest decrease in those aged 20–29 years, while effects in groups 60 years or above were minimal. In absolute terms, taxation was estimated to avoid 1,028,000 (−3% relative reduction) overweight individuals and 479,000 obese individuals (−4%). Overweight decreased the most in males aged 20–29 years (408,000 fewer cases /−22%), the same applied for obesity (204,000/−22%).

Conclusions

An SSB tax could have significant impact on overweight and obesity, which could translate into substantial reductions of morbidity and mortality.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Taxing sugar-sweetened beverages: impact on overweight and obesity in Germany
Authors
Falk Schwendicke
Michael Stolpe
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016-3938-4

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