WHO Warning: Raising Taxes on Sugar and Alcohol is Crucial to Fighting Obesity.

ପାଣିପାଗ

ଦିଲ୍ଲୀ-ଏନ୍‌ସିଆରରେ ବର୍ଷା ଆଲର୍ଟ: ଆଜି ଓ କାଲି ପ୍ରବଳ ବର୍ଷା...

July 22, 2026

ଆସାମରେ ପ୍ରଳୟଙ୍କରୀ ବନ୍ୟା: ୨୪ ଘଣ୍ଟାରେ ୨୧ ମୃତ, ହଜାର...

July 22, 2026

ଓଡ଼ିଶାରେ ଲାଗିରହିଛି ପ୍ରବଳ ବର୍ଷା: ୫ ଜିଲ୍ଲାକୁ ଅରେଞ୍ଜ ଆଲର୍ଟ,...

July 22, 2026

ପ୍ରବଳ ବର୍ଷାରେ ଅସ୍ତବ୍ୟସ୍ତ ରାଜଧାନୀ ଭୁବନେଶ୍ୱର; ବିଭିନ୍ନ ସ୍ଥାନରେ ଜଳବନ୍ଦୀ,...

July 21, 2026

ଶିକ୍ଷା

ମାଓବାଦୀ ପ୍ରଭାବିତ ଗାଁରୁ IIT ପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ: ମୟୂରଭଞ୍ଜର ଆଦିବାସୀ ଛାତ୍ର...

July 22, 2026

APAAR ID ପାଇଁ ଅଭିଭାବକଙ୍କ ସମ୍ମତି ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ସ୍ୱଇଚ୍ଛାଧୀନ ହେବ:...

July 21, 2026

SCERT ପାଠ୍ୟପୁସ୍ତକ ତ୍ରୁଟି ମାମଲା: ଆଗୁଆ ଜାମିନ ପାଇଁ ହାଇକୋର୍ଟର...

July 21, 2026

ଓଡ଼ିଶାରେ ଏକକ-ଶିକ୍ଷକ ବିଦ୍ୟାଳୟ ସଂଖ୍ୟାରେ ୩୪% ବୃଦ୍ଧି, UDISE+ ରିପୋର୍ଟରେ...

July 21, 2026

WHO Warning: Raising Taxes on Sugar and Alcohol is Crucial to Fighting Obesity.

The WHO warns that cheap sugary drinks and alcohol are fueling a global surge in obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. To curb this crisis and save lives, the organization is calling on governments to immediately hike "health taxes" on these harmful products.

Published by Somesh | January 14, 2026

This modified description is structured to be more engaging and scannable, making it suitable for a blog post, news summary, or educational resource.

The Hidden Cost of Cheap Drinks: Why the WHO is Calling for Urgent Tax Reforms

As sugary drinks and alcohol become increasingly affordable worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) is sounding the alarm. Falling prices are directly fueling a global surge inobesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. In two landmark reports, the WHO urges governments to implement "Health Taxes" to curb consumption and ease the mounting pressure on global healthcare systems.

The Problem: Affordability is Fueling a Crisis

Current tax structures in most countries are failing to keep pace with inflation and rising incomes. Because these drinks are becoming relatively cheaper over time, regular consumption has become the norm rather than the exception.

Tax Gaps:While 116 countries tax sugary drinks, many products (like sweetened milks or ready-to-drink teas) often escape the tax net.
Stagnant Rates:Alcohol prices in many regions have remained flat or fallen since 2022. On average, excise taxes make up only14% of the price of beerand22.5% for spirits.
The Inflation Trap:Most nations do not adjust drink taxes for inflation, meaning these products become steadily more affordable every year.

The Health Toll

When "sinful" drinks are cheap, the public pays the price in health. Increased affordability is linked to:

Higher rates ofType 2 diabetesand excess weight.
Increased risk ofchronic illnesseslike heart disease and various cancers.
A rise inalcohol-related accidentsand injuries, particularly among young adults.

The WHO Solution: The "3 by 35" Initiative

The WHO has launched a new strategic goal:3 by 35. The aim is for countries to significantly increase the real prices oftobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by 2035through smarter, more aggressive taxation.

"Health taxes are one of the strongest tools we have for promoting health and preventing disease." —WHO Director-General

Why This Matters for Families

This shift isn't just about economics; it’s about protection. Children and teenagers are the most vulnerable to low prices. Higher taxes are designed to:

Reduce Sugar Intake:Curbing dental issues and childhood obesity.
Protect Youth:Lowering the accessibility of alcohol to prevent early-age injuries.
Fund Public Services:Revenue from these taxes can be reinvested intohealthcare, education, and social protection.

The Bottom Line:Countries like the UK have already proven that sugary drink levies work. By making harmful drinks more expensive, governments can encourage healthier choices and save lives.