Preventing Unhealthy Weights: A Tax on Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) as Part of the Solution

Key Messages · The health and economic burden of obesity and associated chronic diseases will overwhelm our province and our population in coming years. · There is strong and convincing evidence linking SSBs with excess weight gain in both children and adults. · The academic research is biologically plausible and is consistent with common sense. · A significant proportion of the Canadian population, beginning early in childhood, regularly consume SSBs and are therefore put at risk for developing unhealthy weights. · Similar to our experience with tobacco, we know that educating consumers to reduce their intake of SSBs is not enough to counterbalance the aggressive marketing of these products. · Over 90% of British Columbians recognize the detrimental effects of SSBs and over 70% support taxation if revenue is targeted to health promotion. · Taxing SSBs would capture the societal costs of these products and facilitate personal responsibility for the increased cost to the health care system generated by their regular consumption · Taxing SSBs would generate revenue for prevention as well as reduce consumption of these products. · Obesity is regressive as low income groups are particularly susceptible but a tax on SSBs would be progressive if the proceeds are properly allocated as low income groups could reap the most benefits.