We’ve known for quite a while now just how big of a problem child obesity is. With more and more of the obese children from a few years ago growing up to be obese adults, the situation looks grim. And because of this, hoping to solve something, WHO supports sugar tax campaign to slow down childhood obesity.
- The number of worldwide obese children increased by ten million from 1990 to 2013
- The child obesity rates are 30% higher in developing countries than those in developed ones
- If the trend keeps up, the number of obese children will rise from 42-44 million to over 70 million by 2025
- The vast majority of obese children will end up as obese adults
- Childhood obesity comes with an increased risk of developing a number of diseases, like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, as well as an overall increased risk of death
- In 2012, 12% of all American children were obese
The World Health Organization has finally joined the masses asking for a so-called sugar tax to be implemented all over the world, but especially in the UK.
Putting a tax on sugar will undoubtedly have a positive effect on the worldwide childhood obesity epidemic, but that isn’t where the measures will stop.
Taking care of the increasingly large portion sizes, as well as making all labels understandable by everybody, and by slowing down the marketing of junk food to children and teenagers, the World Health Organization will try to pressure the UK Government to start doing something.
The groups are asking for a sugar tax of 20%, as it was proven that exceedingly large portions and sugar sweetened beverages, as well as very high in energy and low in nutrients foods are responsible for the disturbing increase in child obesity statistics.
Food regulations regarding both marketing targets and the way products are marketed will also have to be developed.
British Prime Minister David Cameron had previously stated that he sees no need for a sugar tax, most certainly not one as big as the parties backing it are suggesting, but it was reported that he might have changed his mind recently.
More news about this will come as the situation develops over the next couple of weeks.
Image source: DeviantArt
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