Taxing sugary drinks may prevent 200,000 cases of type 2 diabetes, research finds

Research from the University of Waterloo, commissioned by several Canadian health organizations, has found that a tax on sugary drinks would prevent up to 200,000 cases of type 2 diabetes - among other health issues. Not only that but several jurisdictions around the world have seen success.

TORONTO -- To tax or not to tax sugary drinks? That is a big question.

Also read, U of T researchers call for guidelines, better labeling to curb sugar consumption.

New research by the University of Waterloo, which was commissioned by several health organizations, has found that an excise levy on companies that produce sugary drinks would go far in reducing death, disability, and health care costs, says Diabetes Canada in a news release.

The health organizations include the Canadian Cancer Society, Childhood Obesity Foundation, Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance of Canada, Diabetes Canada and Heart & Stroke. The research was carried out at the university by Amanda C. Jones, Dr. J. Lennert Veerman and Dr. David Hammond.

The new research expands on a recent analysis that projected sugary drink consumption among Canadians and the resulting health and economic impacts, by estimating the benefit of a levy on sugary drinks.

According to the study, over the next 25 years, a 20 per cent excise levy on the manufacturers of sugary drinks will result in more than 13,000 lives saved.

It will also prevent:
• More than 600,000 cases of obesity and almost 100,000 cases of overweight among Canadian adults;
• Up to 200,000 cases of type 2 diabetes;
• More than 60,000 cases of ischemic heart disease;
• More than 20,000 cases of cancer; and
• More than 8,000 strokes.

In addition to reducing adverse health impacts, a 20 per cent levy over the next 25 years will account for $11.5 billion in health-care savings and government revenue of $43.6 billion ($1.7 billion per year).

A direct benefit to Canadians’ health is also projected —with almost 500,000 disability-adjusted life years (number of healthy life years lost due to ill health, disability or early death) being prevented if a 20 per cent sugary drink levy was implemented by the federal government.

Diabetes Canada adds that recent experience form different countries shows that supporting healthy choices through directed taxes can help decrease consumption of unhealthy products and improve overall health.

Successful implementation
A growing collection of studies also shows that a levy on sugary beverages decreases consumption.

Examples of successful implementation of sugary drink levies are found in Mexico, France, Hungary, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Chile, Barbados, and an expanding list of jurisdictions in the U.S. (i.e. Berkeley and Philadelphia) among others.

In Mexico, purchases of taxed beverages have decreased over two consecutive years and purchases of healthy beverages are up.

A number of health organizations have proposed an excise levy on sugary drinks to the federal government for consideration in the upcoming federal budget. This approach would raise revenue for much needed healthy living initiatives that will benefit the health of Canadians.

These include:
• subsidizing vegetables and fruit to make them more affordable for Canadian families;
• ensuring access to safe drinking water and plain low-fat milk in Indigenous communities;
• providing healthy school lunch programs for Canadian students;
• introducing public education and awareness including food literacy and skills; and
• implementing physical activity programs.

This call-to-action to introduce a manufacturer’s levy on sugary drinks is endorsed by 24 organizations nationwide.

The health groups emphasize that a levy is not the only solution to the issue of excess weight and the overall health of Canadians.

However, says Diabetes Canada, given Canadians are drinking an unhealthy amount of sugary drinks, which are the single greatest contributor of sugar in our diets — and a significant driver of chronic disease and obesity, a levy is a critical component of a broader strategy to promote healthy eating and drinking.

This includes restricting marketing to kids, improving food and menu labeling, providing better access to affordable healthy foods and water, increasing food literacy and preparation skills, as well as public education.

SOURCE Deanna Rosolen, Food In Canada