Tax on sugar sweetened beverages and influence of the industry to prevent regulation

Peer-reviewed | Manuscript received: 24.07.2017 | Revision accepted: 18.10.2017

Introduction

Germany is among the top ten countries in the world when it comes to consumption of sugar sweetened beverages [1], and is also at the top of the list in terms of juice consumption as compared to other European countries [2]. In 2016, German per capita consumption of sugar sweetened beverages was nearly equal to the consumption of mineral water: 116 L soft drinks, 33 L juice, and 153 L mineral water [3]. Especially children, adolescents, and young adults consume large quantities of sugar sweetened beverages: In this group, almost half of the drinks consumed are juices and soft drinks [4].

Sugar sweetened beverages contribute to the development of obesity [5], type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) [6], and caries [7, 8]. Obesity and T2DM are particularly significant, as they are primary causes of several severe diseases, reduced quality of life, and lower life expectancy [9, 10] (• Figure 1). The prevalence of obesity and T2DM has taken on alarming proportions. In Germany, 18 % of adults are obese, that number being on the rise [11], and even 6 % of children and adolescents are severely overweight [12]. 7.7 % of adults in Germany suffer from diabetes (type 1 and type 2, not including gestational diabetes) [13].

Abstract

Consumption of sugar sweetened beverages in Germany is high compared to other nations worldwide. Sugar sweetened drinks contribute to the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Secondary diseases are presenting the health care system with enormous challenges, which is why prevention of those diseases must be a priority. A tax on sugar sweetened beverages as part of a comprehensive strategy can contribute substantially to obesity prevention, as experience has shown in Mexico, France, and the USA. The food industry is using the same tactics as the tobacco industry to prevent effective regulation. With strong political will and support from professionals and the public, however, it is possible to introduce a tax on sugar sweetened beverages despite massive resistance by the industry.

Keywords: obesity, prevention, food industry, sugar tax, nutrition policy

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