With at least 1 in 4 Australian children overweight or obese, pressure is mounting for the Government to focus on obesity policy.
One of the key influential groups in the conversation is the Obesity Policy Coalition (OPC). Headed by former tobacco control advocate Jane Martin, the OPC researches and campaigns for progressive solutions to tackle the nation’s obesity crisis.
In April, the OPC published research suggesting that a 20 per cent tax on sugary drinks would save 1600 lives, prevent 4400 heart attacks and 1100 strokes, and free up $609 million for the healthcare system over 25 years. Yet the Australian Government’s new 2016 Federal Budget includes zero preventive measures against obesity, let alone mention of a sugar tax.
We spoke to the OPC’s executive manager Jane Martin about why she is backing a sugary drinks tax – and what will happen to Australia if we fail to act.
The results of your research were pretty compelling! How have they affected your views on a sugary drinks tax, and on the role of sugar in society?
I think that eventually government will have to make policy decisions, such as imposing taxes, to reduce consumption of sugary drinks, improve people’s health and take the pressure off the hospital and medical system caused by these products.
There are clearly benefits from this type of policy and we already know that price is an important lever to change behaviour. Actually modelling the impact over time is important to see the effect of a decline in consumption on health, as well as understanding how much money could be raised and saved.
We get a lot of push back about our campaign for a tax on sugary drinks. What do you tell people who argue with you over dinner about the need for the sugary drinks tax?
The community is paying a huge price to treat the impact of diseases related to people being overweight and obese. We know that sugary drinks are a huge contributor to that, let alone the dental health problems that result from sugary drinks.
If we do nothing, we will all bear the costs – not only by funding the healthcare system, but also the impact of lost productivity on the economy and society as a whole. These types of drinks offer no nutrition and are popular, particularly with those on low income.
What about the role that Big Soda has to play? If you were sat next to Muhtar Kent, CEO of Coca-Cola, at that dinner party, what would you say to him?
I would say that you need to change your business model! The evidence on the health impacts of added sugar is in, and that is starting to be reflected in the sale and consumption of sugar-sweetened Coca Cola products.
Targeting the developing world, like tobacco companies have done, at a time when they are dealing with the double burden of malnutrition and overweight/obesity is unethical. It makes smarter business sense to keep your market living long, healthy and productive lives. Capitalise on the fact that ultimately people are motivated to be healthy.
“Targeting the developing world a time when they are dealing with the double burden of malnutrition and overweight/obesity is unethical.”
What other measures do think we should take against obesity?
I became involved in OPC because I was seeing how the processed food and drink industries were targeting my children, who at that time were in primary school. I found the relationship that schools had with these companies, through sports sponsorship, fundraising and classroom rewards very concerning.
Our strategy should include stronger restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy food to children – particularly in high rating TV programs and children’s sport.
Finally, how has being involved in this research affected your own life? Have you cut down on sugar, or made an effort to eat more healthy?
One big change I have made is around fruit juice, which I have stopped drinking – sticking to whole fruit instead. I ride my bicycle to work and meetings and make an effort to be active and sit less.
I also really enjoy cooking and sharing food with friends, so that is an important part of my life. My go-to healthy meal is a panko crumbed chicken schnitzel with coleslaw dressed with olive oil and lemon.
Agree with Jane? You might want to sign the I Quit Sugar petition for an Australian sugar tax at http://ift.tt/241QNXS. And remember click the button to share on Facebook. Let’s spread the word!
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