Taxes on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages may Increase Stigma in Low-Income Groups

Taxes imposed on sugar-sweetened beverages will increase the inequity and stigma among low-income groups and aboriginal peoples.

A new study suggests that policy makers in Canada should consider how taxing sugar-sweetened beverages will create impact by increasing the inequity and stigma among low-income groups and aboriginal peoples. The findings of the study are published in Canadian Medical Association Journal.

"Proponents of a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages are quick to emphasize positive aspects of a tobacco tax; however, a thorough comparison analysis reveals other lessons about exacerbation of inequity and stigma, including racial stigma, in already-marginalized populations," writes Natalie Riediger, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, with Andrea Bombak, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan.

Sugary Drinks Increase Risk of Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke
Drinking soda or juices regularly were found to be associated with metabolic syndrome, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

‘Taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages will be effective in controlling obesity and diabetes.’

The authors look at the issues around taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages through a social justice lens. "Many public health policies can have unintended consequences for some groups and it is important to consider this when implementing new policies," they write.

People of low socioeconomic status and Aboriginal populations in Canada consume more sugar-sweetened beverages than the general population and have higher rates of obesity and diabetes.

"For taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages to be effective as a measure of population health, it must affect consumption in these populations."

Excessive Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption Among Children
An alarming increase in the number of children affected by obesity has become a cause of concern. Read on to find out how drinking sweetened beverages contribute to this early obesity.

The authors suggest that taxing only certain sugar-sweetened beverages, namely soft drinks, may heighten stigma around obesity and further isolate marginalized people. Sweetened coffee drinks, which are mainly consumed in areas where people of higher socioeconomic status live or work, are not being recommended for taxation, despite their increasing consumption.

"A sweetened beverage tax aimed only at regular soft drinks may carry classist and racist overtones that could exacerbate stigma directed at already-marginalized groups," write the authors. "In other words, economically advantaged people may continue to drink their frappuccino, untaxed, while less wealthy people are taxed for their cola, despite similar added sugar content."

Consumption of Sugar Sweetened Beverages may Impair Memory During Adolescence
Daily consumption of sweetened beverages containing high fructose corn syrup may impair the ability to learn and remember information in adolescents, a new research has found

Taxing soda could also affect relations with Aboriginal peoples who live on reserves where there are long-term water advisories because of unsafe supply. Many people in these situations rely on soft drinks for hydration.

The authors urge involvement of Aboriginal peoples in developing taxation policies around sugar-sweetened beverages.

Taxes on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Could Curb Obesity and Diabetes
Implementing taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages could curb the risk of obesity and diabetes, reveals new study.

Source-Eurekalert