Australia must introduce a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages to curb the nation's escalating obesity crisis as National Diabetes Week shines a spotlight on prevention.
The evidence is clear — sugary drinks are fuelling rates of obesity, which is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes.
The AMA is calling for a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages at a rate of 50c per 100g of sugar.
This is a tax levied against beverage manufacturers, forcing them reformulate their products to contain less sugar or face higher costs.
AMA Vice President Associate Professor Julian Rait said this National Diabetes Week highlighted the urgent need for Government investment in a range of preventive health measures.
"The evidence shows that sugary drinks are fuelling rates of obesity and chronic disease — and a sugar tax is our best chance at getting on top of this crisis," A/Prof Julian Rait said.
"For people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, reducing sugar intake through swaps like drinking water over soft drinks can make a profound difference to their long-term health."
Obesity rates in Australia have been increasing for at least 25 years and will continue to increase without decisive action.
The AMA's interactive map shows Australia has failed to keep up with international progress on reducing sugar consumption.
"Australia lags behind the rest of the world, with more than 100 jurisdictions having implemented a successful sugar tax already — it's time for us to catch up," A/Prof Julian Rait said.
" Our proposal for a tax on sugary drinks would drive down annual sugar consumption by 2kg per person, while raising $3.6 billion in government revenue that can be invested in other crucial preventive health measures."
A/Prof Julian Rait called on the federal government to get tougher with soft drink manufacturing giants by hitting them with this common-sense tax model.
"Last year it was revealed the sugar content in popular soft drink Fanta had increased by 60 per cent, despite industry assurances that sugary drinks were being reformulated," he said.
"We are now calling on the federal government to act decisively by implementing a sugar tax — and with the resumption of parliament soon, now is the time to ignite this debate.
"This National Diabetes Week serves as a powerful reminder that we cannot afford to delay action on sugar reduction any longer — it will reduce the burden on our health system, and importantly, it could save lives."
