A TAX on sugary drinks would help stem the rise of childhood obesity and save the country billions in medical costs, leading health groups say.
FOR the first time four health organisations have come together to urge the federal government to launch a national obesity strategy.
Australia has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world with 63 per cent of adults and one in four children being overweight or obese. They surveyed 1016 people and found 85 per cent believe unhealthy eating habits are now a major problem for Australian children. Half of the respondents approve of the government putting a tax on junk food and sugary drinks, similar to the taxes on alcohol and tobacco. The Consumers Health Forum, Heart Foundation, Obesity Policy Coalition and Public Health Association of Australia believe a sugary drink tax would improve childhood health and help stem the cost of obesity, which is estimated at $56 billion a year. The groups also found 77 per cent of Australians support making the health star system mandatory for packaged food, they say. Assistant Health Minister Fiona Nash launched the voluntary star rating labels in December. Under the system, products are scored between half a star and five stars according to their energy, fat, sugar and salt content. The health groups also want federal Health Minister Sussan Ley to tighten junk food marketing regulations. Obesity Policy Coalition says the current system where junk food companies self-regulate their marketing to children is a “sham”. “Children are being bombarded with promotions of unhealthy foods through junior sport, digital apps, social media and in prime time television shows,” says the coalition’s executive manager Jane Martin. “This influences what kids eat, what they want to eat and promotes [parent] pester power.” The Consumers Health Forum says industry and government are essential providers of information about healthy eating and nutrition. “Improving information availability and not ‘blaming’ consumers for being obese, will create winners all round,” says the Forum’s chief executive Adam Stankevicius. “We know there is widespread community support for action on unhealthy eating, the costs of implementation are minimal and there are long-term benefits for consumers, government, industry and public health in Australia.” WHAT IT TAKES TO BURN OFF THAT SNACK: A bag of potato crisps (45g, 491kj/serve) 20 mins running for women; 18 mins for men; 43 mins for 10-year-old A Kit Kat Chunky (60g, 1320kj/serve) 29 minutes of running for women; 25 mins for men; 60 mins for 10-year-old WHAT THE HEALTH GROUPS WANT: * The Government to move quickly to make the new health food stars rating system compulsory for packaged food products. * To oppose the marketing of junk food to children on social media. * To outlaw advertising of junk food during TV programs popular with children, including sports broadcasts * A tax on sugar sweetened beverages * Lower levels of sugar, fat and salts in processed food.