RESEARCH has boosted calls for a tax on sugary drinks to reduce health risks including type 2 diabetes.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
However health experts have warned that the tax is “not enough” and said people needed to change their food and drink consumption habits and be more active.
Australia’s Health Tracker By Area 2017 figures showed that in Bathurst 4.5 per cent of people aged 25-64 years had diabetes – just below the national figure of 4.7 per cent.
Wellington had the highest regional percentage of 7.2 per cent, followed by Parkes [5.7], Lithgow [5.4], Dubbo [5.2] and Orange [5.1].
A study in Thailand by the Australian National University’s department of global health had suggested thousands of cases of type 2 diabetes could be prevented by cutting out sugary drinks.
Lead author Keren Papier said 40,000 adults were analysed between 2005 and 2013 in the Thai Cohort Study.
Ms Papier said it found the diabetes risk increased as more sugary drinks were consumed.
She said the findings could apply to Australia.
HAVE YOUR SAY ...
Assistant Health Minister Dr David Gillespie has rejected the tax saying it was about personal lifestyle choice.
Diabetes Australia CEO Professor Greg Johnson said a sugary drinks tax was part of a comprehensive approach.
“Anything that makes sugary drinks a less appealing product and encourages Australians to consume less of them, and more of healthy alternatives like water, is a step in the right direction,” Professor Johnson said.