Sugary drinks tax could save lives - study

A 20% tax on sugary drinks in Australia could save more than 1600 lives and raise $400 million a year for much-needed obesity prevention initiatives, new research co-authored by the Obesity Policy Coalition has revealed.

The impact of a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages on health and health care costs: a modelling study, has been published in PLOS ONE .

It reveals how taxing soft drinks and other high-sugar beverages in Australia could result in a 12.6% reduction in consumption, delivering significant health benefits including:
• 1,606 more Australians alive in 25 years, having avoided premature death due to weight-related diseases
• Reduction in common weight-related health conditions in 25 years, including:
   o 16,000 fewer cases of type 2 diabetes
   o 4400 fewer cases of heart disease
   o 1100 fewer cases of stroke.

Co-author of the study, OPC Executive Manager Jane Martin, said this research highlights why a 20% tax on sugary drinks is needed in Australia. The UK Government recently announced a tax on soft drinks.

With sugary drinks contributing to cavities and tooth erosion, the Australian Dental Association supports the Rethink Sugary Drink campaign.