Summary Of Why Sugared Beverages Should Be Taxed
In “Ounces of Prevention—The Public Case for Taxes on Sugared Beverages” authors Kelly Brownell and Thomas Frieden state their case of why sugared beverages such as soda, energy drinks, and other carbonated/non-carbonated drinks should be taxed. The first reason given is because of the obesity epidemic that has occurred from so much consumption of sugary drinks. The authors state that, “Sugar-sweetened beverages may be the single largest driver of the obesity epidemic.” (467) As a whole people are drinking too much sugary drinks, and causing their health to decline rapidly. Sometimes even resulting in diabetes and other ailing diseases that have no cure discovered yet. Brownell and Frieden also state that, “Sugared beverages are marketed extensively
towards children and adolescents.” (467) By targeting the younger generation the companies that produce these beverages make a whole lot more profit, because children tend to want more and more sugar and sweet stuff.
The solution that Brownell and Frieden come up with is that if the government were to put a tax on any kind of sugary beverage, then that would decrease the consumption of the high rate we have right now on drinking so much. The authors also say, “Although a tax on sugared beverages would have health benefits regardless of how the revenue was used, the popularity of such a proposal increases greatly if revenues are used for programs to prevent childhood obesity.” (470) If we could correct how today’s children eat and drink, then maybe we could reverse how much health issues produce themselves and how many kids are obese. Maybe the world’s health would benefit greatly from trying to correct the way we live and take care of ourselves.
towards children and adolescents.” (467) By targeting the younger generation the companies that produce these beverages make a whole lot more profit, because children tend to want more and more sugar and sweet stuff.
The solution that Brownell and Frieden come up with is that if the government were to put a tax on any kind of sugary beverage, then that would decrease the consumption of the high rate we have right now on drinking so much. The authors also say, “Although a tax on sugared beverages would have health benefits regardless of how the revenue was used, the popularity of such a proposal increases greatly if revenues are used for programs to prevent childhood obesity.” (470) If we could correct how today’s children eat and drink, then maybe we could reverse how much health issues produce themselves and how many kids are obese. Maybe the world’s health would benefit greatly from trying to correct the way we live and take care of ourselves.