scholarly journals Impact of an excise tax on the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in Catalonia, Spain

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
MA Royo Bordonada ◽  
C Fernández Escobar ◽  
L Simón ◽  
B Sanz Barbero ◽  
J Padilla

Abstract Background Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is contributing to the obesity epidemic. On 28 March 2017, Catalonia enacted a law levying an excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages for public health reasons. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of the tax on the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in Catalonia (Spain). Methods Before-and-after study to assess changes in the prevalence of consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among 1929 persons aged 12 to 40 years residing in low-income neighbourhoods of Barcelona (intervention) and Madrid (control). Beverage consumption frequency was ascertained via a validated questionnaire administered during the month prior to the tax’s introduction (May 2017) and again at one year after it had come into force. The effect of the tax was obtained using Poisson regression models with robust variance. Results While the prevalence of regular consumers of taxed beverages fell by 41% in Barcelona as compared to Madrid, the prevalence of consumers of untaxed beverages remained stable. The main reason cited by more than two-thirds of those surveyed for reducing their consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was the increase in price, followed by a heightened awareness of their health effects. Conclusions The introduction of the Catalonian excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages was followed by a reduction in the prevalence of regular consumers of taxed beverages. Key messages This is the first study to show the efficacy of the Catalonian excise tax to reduce the prevalence of regular consumers of sugar sweetened beverages by residents of low-income neighbourhoods in Spain. Our results, along with the remaining scientific evidence on the subject, would justify the extension of the measure to the rest of Spain for public health reasons.

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Ángel Royo-Bordonada ◽  
Carlos Fernández-Escobar ◽  
Lorena Simón ◽  
Belen Sanz-Barbero ◽  
Javier Padilla

Abstract Background Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is contributing to the obesity epidemic. On 28 March 2017, Catalonia enacted a law levying an excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages for public health reasons. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of the tax on the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in Catalonia (Spain). Methods Before-and-after study to assess changes in the prevalence of consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among 1929 persons aged 12 to 40 years residing in low-income neighbourhoods of Barcelona (intervention) and Madrid (control). Beverage consumption frequency was ascertained via a validated questionnaire administered during the month prior to the tax’s introduction (May 2017) and again at 1 year after it had come into force. The effect of the tax was obtained using Poisson regression models with robust variance weighted using propensity scores. Results While the prevalence of regular consumers of taxed beverages fell by 39% in Barcelona as compared to Madrid, the prevalence of consumers of untaxed beverages remained stable. The main reason cited by more than two-thirds of those surveyed for reducing their consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was the increase in price, followed by a heightened awareness of their health effects. Conclusions The introduction of the Catalonian excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages was followed by a reduction in the prevalence of regular consumers of taxed beverages.


2016 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-110

Dietitians of Canada recommends that an excise tax of at least 10–20% be applied to sugar-sweetened beverages sold in Canada given the negative impact of these products on the health of the population and the viability of taxation as a means to reduce consumption. For the greatest impact, taxation measures should be combined with other policy interventions such as increasing access to healthy foods while decreasing access to unhealthy foods in schools, daycares, and recreation facilities; restrictions on the marketing of foods and beverages to children; and effective, long-term educational initiatives. This position is based on a comprehensive review of the literature. The Canadian population is experiencing high rates of obesity and excess weight. There is moderate quality evidence linking consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages to excess weight, obesity, and chronic disease onset in children and adults. Taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages holds substantiated potential for decreasing its consumption. Based on economic models and results from recent taxation efforts, an excise tax can lead to a decline in sugar-sweetened beverage purchase and consumption. Taxation of up to 20% can lead to a consumption decrease by approximately 10% in the first year of its implementation, with a postulated 2.6% decrease in weight per person on average. Revenue generated from taxation can be used to fund other obesity reduction initiatives. A number of influential national organizations support a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.


2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea E. Bombak ◽  
Taylor E. Colotti ◽  
Dolapo Raji ◽  
Natalie D. Riediger

Abstract Background While policies to address “obesity” have existed for decades, they have commonly focused on behavioral interventions. More recently, the taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages is gaining traction globally. This study sought to explore individuals’ attitudes and beliefs about sugar-sweetened beverages being taxed in a rural Michigan setting. Methods This qualitative study was conducted using critical policy analysis. Data were collected in 25 semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews with adult Michiganders. Following data collection, transcripts were coded into themes using NVivo software. Results Four themes emerged in participants’ perspectives regarding sugar-sweetened beverages being taxed: resistance, unfamiliarity, tax effects, and need for education. While some participants were unfamiliar with sugar-sweetened beverage taxes, many viewed taxation as a “slippery slope” of government intervention, which invoked feelings of mistrust. In addition, participants predicted a sugar-sweetened beverage tax would be ineffective at reducing intake, particularly among regular consumers, who were frequently perceived as mostly low income and/or of higher weight. Conclusions Further research is needed to explore perceptions of sugar-sweetened beverage taxes in different geographic areas in the USA to examine how perceptions vary. Policymakers should be aware of the potential implications of this health policy with respect to government trust and stigma towards lower income and higher-weight individuals.


2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. 1807-1814 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristine A Madsen ◽  
Jennifer Falbe ◽  
Gabriella Olgin ◽  
Ana Ibarra-Castro ◽  
Nadia Rojas

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to determine the store types from which people in low-income neighbourhoods purchase most sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and to identify associations between purchasing location and demographic characteristics.DesignStreet-intercept surveys of passers-by near high foot-traffic intersections in 2016. Participants completed a beverage frequency questionnaire and identified the type of store (e.g. corner store, chain grocery) from which they purchased most SSB.SettingEight low-income neighbourhoods in four Bay Area cities, California, USA.ParticipantsSample of 1132 individuals who reported consuming SSB, aged 18–88 years, who identified as African-American (41 %), Latino (29 %), White (17 %) and Asian (6 %).ResultsBased on surveys in low-income neighbourhoods, corner stores were the primary source from which most SSB were purchased (28 %), followed by discount stores (18 %) and chain groceries (16 %). In fully adjusted models, those with lower education were more likely to purchase from corner stores or discount groceries than all other store types. Compared with White participants, African-Americans purchased more frequently from corner stores, discount groceries and chain groceries while Latinos purchased more frequently from discount groceries.ConclusionsThe wide range of store types from which SSB were purchased and demographic differences in purchasing patterns suggest that broader methodological approaches are needed to adequately capture the impact of SSB taxes and other interventions aimed at reducing SSB consumption, particularly in low-income neighbourhoods.


2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 1388-1393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Veitch ◽  
Amika Singh ◽  
Maartje M van Stralen ◽  
Willem van Mechelen ◽  
Johannes Brug ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveThe Dutch Obesity Intervention in Teenagers (DOiT) is a school-based randomised controlled trial that was effective in decreasing the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among adolescents. The present study examined, using mediation analysis, whether this decrease in consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages could be explained by an increase in the consumption of water or diet drinks.DesignParticipants completed a questionnaire about their beverage consumption at baseline and at 8 months (immediately post-intervention), 12- and 20-month follow-ups. A series of multi-level linear regression analyses were performed to examine water and diet drink consumption as potential mediators of the intervention effect on the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.SettingEighteen Dutch secondary schools.SubjectsA total of 747 adolescents (mean age: 12·7 years).ResultsIn addition to the DoiT intervention effect of a reduction in the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages at 8 months (−284 ml/d; 95 % CI −420, −148) and 12 months (−260 ml/d; 95 % CI −360, −160), there was also a significant reduction in diet drinks at 8 months (−52 ml/d; 95 % CI −89, −16). There was no significant difference in water consumption at any follow-up. The decrease in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption could not be explained by an increase in water or diet drink consumption at any time point.ConclusionsInterventions aimed at reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption may be effective without changing consumption of other beverages. Reducing sugar-sweetened beverages was, however, a main message of the DOiT intervention. It is possible that a concomitant promotion of water may have resulted in a greater increase in water intake and replacement of sugar-sweetened beverages with water.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0248847
Author(s):  
Kelly Morgan ◽  
Emily Lowthian ◽  
Jemma Hawkins ◽  
Britt Hallingberg ◽  
Manal Alhumud ◽  
...  

To date no study has examined time trends in adolescent consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and energy drinks, or modelled change in inequalities over time. The present study aimed to fill this gap by identifying historical trends among secondary school students in Wales, United Kingdom. The present study includes 11–16 year olds who completed the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey and the Welsh School Health Research Network (SHRN) survey between 1998 to 2017. Multinomial regression models were employed alongside tests for interaction effects. A total of 176,094 student responses were assessed. From 1998 to 2017, the prevalence of daily sugar-sweetened beverage consumption decreased (57% to 18%) while weekly consumption has remained constant since 2006 (49% to 52%). From 2013 to 2017, daily consumption of energy drinks remained stable (6%) while weekly consumption reports steadily decreased (23% to 15%). Boys, older children and those from a low socioeconomic group reported higher consumption rates of sugar-sweetened beverages and energy drinks. Consumption according to socioeconomic group was the only characteristic to show a statistically significant change over time, revealing a widening disparity between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption rates of those from low and high socioeconomic groups. Findings indicate a positive shift in overall consumption rates of both sugar-sweetened beverages and energy drinks. Adolescents from a low socioeconomic group however were consistently shown to report unfavourable sugar-sweetened beverages consumption when compared to peers from high socioeconomic group. Given the established longer term impacts of sugar-sweetened beverage and energy drink consumption on adolescent health outcomes, urgent policy action is required to reduce overall consumption rates, with close attention to equity of impact throughout policy design and evaluation plans.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 676-684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie M Zoellner ◽  
Kathleen J Porter ◽  
Wen You ◽  
Paul A Estabrooks ◽  
Katelynn Perzynski ◽  
...  

Abstract SIPsmartER is a theory-based, 6-month, multi-component health literacy intervention shown to improve sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) behaviors among adults in rural, southwest Virginia. The objective of this pilot trial was to understand the reach and effectiveness of SIPsmartER when delivered by existing staff in public health practice settings. This pre-post research design was conducted in partnership with four medically underserved southwest Virginia Department of Health (VDH) districts. Validated measures and standardized data collection techniques were used. Analyses included descriptive statistics and multilevel mixed-effects linear regressions models. Of 928 individuals screened, 586 (63%) were eligible and 117 (20% of eligible) enrolled in SIPsmartER (79% retained). The sample was majority female (71%) and white (94%) and had ≤high school education (59%) and an annual income of approximately $12,500. Relative to the county population, the enrolled study sample was representative for age and race, yet underrepresented for men and overrepresented for low income and low educational attainment. Significant improvements from baseline to 6 months were observed for the primary SSB outcome (−403 [confidence interval [CI] = −528, −278] SSB kcals/day) (p < .001). SSB-related attitudes, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intentions, and media literacy also significantly improved (all p < .05). SIPsmartER appears to be promising for VDH and potentially other health departments in medically underserved areas. When compared to the previous effectiveness trial, existing VDH staff achieved similar reach and effectiveness for some, but not all, outcomes. Future work is needed on methods to support health departments in developing strategies to reach new participants and to integrate SIPsmartER into sustained practice.


2012 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 1355-1361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl Rivard ◽  
Danielle Smith ◽  
Susan E McCann ◽  
Andrew Hyland

AbstractObjectiveTo assess current beverage consumption patterns and anticipated reaction to an added 20 % tax on these products.DesignA random-digit dialled telephone interview lasting 20 min was administered to assess demographics, beverage consumption behaviours and intentions regarding consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in the event of an additional tax on these beverages.SettingRespondents were recruited throughout the USA.SubjectsThe study included 592 adults.ResultsSixty-nine per cent of respondents reported consuming at least one pre-packaged sugar-sweetened beverage in the past week; those who consumed sugar-sweetened beverages averaged seven pre-packaged beverages per week. Ninety-one per cent knew that frequent consumption of soft drinks increases risk of obesity. Thirty-six per cent supported a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages with greatest support among those aged 18–24 years, those with BMI < 30 kg/m2 and those with higher levels of education (P < 0·05). Over one-third of respondents said that they would cut back on their sweetened beverage consumption in the event of an added 20 % tax on these beverages.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that an added tax on these beverages could influence some to cut down on their consumption, reducing their risk of obesity and related illnesses.


2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 750-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shu Wen Ng ◽  
Juan A Rivera ◽  
Barry M Popkin ◽  
M Arantxa Colchero

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate changes in taxed and untaxed beverages by volume of beverage purchased after a sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax was introduced in 2014 in Mexico.DesignWe used household purchase data from January 2012 to December 2015. We first classified the sample into four groups based on pre-tax purchases of beverages: (i) higher purchases of taxed beverages and lower purchases of untaxed beverages (HTLU-unhealthier); (ii) higher purchases of both types of beverages (HTHU); (iii) lower purchases of taxed and untaxed beverages (LTLU); and (iv) lower purchases of taxed beverages and higher purchases of untaxed beverages (LTHU-healthier). Next, we estimated differences in purchases after the tax was implemented for each group compared with a counterfactual based on pre-tax trends using a fixed-effects model.SettingAreas with more than 50 000 residents in Mexico.ParticipantsHouseholds (n 6089).ResultsThe HTLU-unhealthier and HTHU groups had the largest absolute and relative reductions in taxed beverages and increased their purchases of untaxed beverages. Households with lower purchases of untaxed beverages (HTLU-unhealthier and LTLU) had the largest absolute and relative increases in untaxed beverages. We also found that among households with higher purchases of taxed beverages, the group with lowest socio-economic status had the greatest reduction in purchases of taxed beverages.ConclusionsEvidence associating the SSB tax with larger reductions among high purchasers of taxed beverages prior to the tax is relevant, as higher SSB purchasers have a greater risk of obesity, diabetes and other cardiometabolic outcomes.


BMC Nutrition ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia Villagomez ◽  
Dena B. Dubal ◽  
Jessica Hawkins ◽  
Dan Wang ◽  
Janet M. Wojcicki

Abstract Background Klotho is an anti-aging protein mainly expressed in the kidneys with a smaller amount expressed in adipose tissue. Klotho effects include roles in reducing oxidative stress, insulin signaling, adipogenesis and glucose metabolism. Few studies have investigated the role of dietary factors such as sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) on serum α-klotho levels in young children. Methods Data was collected from 60 low-income Latina pregnant women and their infants in San Francisco from birth until 2 years of life and examined for associations between dietary factors and child secreted α-klotho protein levels at 2 years. Results Mean α-klotho levels were 1782.96 ± 874.56 pg/mL at 2 years of age. Any consumption of SSBs was independently associated with increased α-klotho levels (Beta = 682.79, 95%CI 67.50, 1298.09; p = 0.03). Household income ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 was also correlated to higher levels of α-klotho in children compared with lower income levels (<$25,000) (Beta = 1613.35, 95%CI 527.37, 2699.33; p = 0.005). Conclusions The positive association between SSB intake and α-klotho levels at 2 years may reflect higher phosphate levels consistent with SSB intake. Higher socioeconomic status may be a proxy for reduced stress exposure in children, also associated with higher α-klotho levels. Future studies should evaluate the early impact of exposures to SSBs, stress and accelerated aging in children.


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