A recent review of the research in the area, which included data from six countries, including Mexico and India, found that soda taxes do indeed reduce soda consumption. However, they also prompt substitution – typically fruit juices or milk. While these do have more nutritional value, they do not have fewer calories so it is unlikely that they will have long-term effects on weight.
The bottom line: without addressing why people overeat, obesity can’t be fought effectively. And, though it is not clear precisely what proportion of obesity is linked to trauma – or to the uncontrollable stresses associated with poverty – the correlations here are strong and parallel those seen in other addictions.
[For more on this story by Maia Szalavitz, go to https://www.theguardian.com/so...ood-trauma-sugar-tax]
Photo: Choosing between apple and doughnut may be only part of the story. Photograph: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Comments (1)