A just-released University of Otago study highlights the need for stronger Government action over sugary drinks, to counter New Zealand's obesity epidemic. Dr Robertson, an Otago senior lecturer in marketing, said sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) were "extremely high in sugar'', and drinking them was a significant problem in New Zealand. The drinks had little nutritional benefit and were a leading cause of obesity, tooth decay, and type 2 diabetes. Past research showed the sugar content in SSBs in New Zealand exceeded WHO recommendations, and industry self-regulation was not working. Sugar taxes in the UK had not adversely affected big business, which had simply reduced the sugar content of drinks to avoid the tax.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 07, 2018 22:30 UTC