The great problem with sugar (as well as refined fats and salt) is that it’s a very cheap way for processed food manufacturers to bulk out their products and give them flavour – or at least the semblance of flavour – so they don’t have to use “real” ingredients (Doctors call for 20% tax on sugary drinks, 13 July).
Rather than simply taxing sugary drinks, which are only part of the problem, surely a better approach would be to introduce a tax on salt, refined sugars and fats to encourage manufacturers to switch to healthier ingredients. I’m sure somebody who understands the economics of processed food production could easily calculate the right level of tax on these three to push the manufacturers to change.
Tony Green
Ipswich, Suffolk
• I welcome the British Medical Association’s latest report. However, it is important to recognise that a sugar tax isn’t as effective as getting people more active and aware of what they eat. People need help to burn the calories already consumed – and they need to understand food better. The Conservation Volunteers, for example, run green gyms, which are free of charge for volunteers to join and are endorsed by GPs and the Department of Health. During a green gym session, volunteers can burn almost a third more calories than the average aerobics class – and, just as importantly, they also benefit the local community by improving outdoor spaces and social cohesion, and through activities such as food growing, which have been shown to encourage better eating. GPs should continue to recommend them and other outdoor activities where volunteers can learn about food. This is a more effective way of tackling Britain’s expanding waistline.
Julie Hopes
Chief executive, The Conservation Volunteers
• There has been much discussion surrounding health and obesity over the past few days, which includes a focus on sugars and speculation ahead of the forthcoming SACN report, which is set to be published this week. While we wait for the details of the report, it is important to remember that obesity is a complex issue and that there is no silver bullet when it comes to tackling it. We urge policymakers to be mindful of the unintended consequences of focusing on one type of ingredient in isolation and how this may work in practice in reducing obesity. There is an urgent need to tackle the obesity epidemic, but it is critically important that any guidance enables consumers to make informed choices about diet and lifestyle. For this reason, we suggest a holistic approach needs to be taken, one that includes a mixture of educational as well as regulatory measures. We believe what’s required is collaborative action to find real and workable solutions to the obesity crisis. We are committed to playing our part.
Katharine Teague
Head of advocacy, AB Sugar
