In Austria, every fourth girl and every third boy suffers from overweight or obesity. A properly implemented sugar tax on drinks would have a positive impact on health, especially that of children. This is confirmed by a new study commissioned by the Ministry of Health and now published. The greatest effect occurs when the income is earmarked for healthy foods or health-promoting measures. “Many drinks marketed specifically to children contain tons of sugar. This significantly increases your risk of developing tooth decay, obesity or diabetes,” emphasizes Health Minister Johannes Rauch. “A sugar tax would also make sense in Austria. This is shown by the positive experiences of other countries.” ***
According to the Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative 2023, around 18 percent of boys and girls in Austria are overweight. 16 percent of boys and 8 percent of girls are even affected by obesity. This puts you at a higher risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. In the long term, these diseases also lead to rising costs in the healthcare system.
The World Health Organization (WHO) only presented its own action plan to combat overweight and obesity at the beginning of last year. It recommends food labeling and measures to protect children from the harmful effects of food advertising.
The WHO also recommends the introduction of a sugar tax on sugary drinks. These drinks account for the largest share of sugar consumption among children and adolescents. Such a tax has been introduced by over 70 states, regions and municipalities worldwide since 2010.
Study confirms positive effects of sugar taxes
Experts from Gesundheit Österreich GmbH examined the health effects of a sugar tax on drinks on behalf of the Ministry of Health. The study has now been published. She analyzes existing tax models and compares international studies and experiences. The result is clear: the introduction of a sugar tax would also have major health benefits in Austria, especially for children. What can be expected are:
- Reduction in the occurrence of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases
- Reduction of tooth decay
- Reduction in hospital stays for children and adolescents due to asthma
- lower costs for the healthcare system
Important factors for successful implementation
In order to achieve the positive effects on children’s health, the authors recommend not setting the tax too low. A price increase of at least 10 percent has a significant effect on consumer behavior. The most important accompanying measure is the purpose of the tax, for example for health promotion or subsidies for healthy food, in particular to support low-income people. According to the study, the greatest successes can be achieved through a graduated sugar tax.
“We all know that sugar is bad for our health. In everyday life, we are often tempted by sweet lemonades. The sugar tax creates a steering effect through higher prices. With the help of subsidies, healthy food can be made cheaper and therefore more affordable for low-income households,” said Health Minister Johannes Rauch.
Cooperation with food manufacturers necessary
To avoid negative reactions, the study recommends clear communication and dialogue with stakeholders, including the food and beverage industry. In other countries, these have been supported in reducing the sugar content in drinks. Above all, the use of sweeteners as a substitute for sugar should be avoided.
The study is available at this link: https://jasmin.goeg.at/id/eprint/3996/