This is by no means a new topic and has been debated for quite sometime. Does soda contribute to the rise in obesity and more specifically childhood obesity?
It is a debate I deal with every day. Having a 3 year old in the house and trying to figure out if soda is ok, how much is too much, and on it goes. I personally do not feel like a 3 year old needs soda, however the grandparents and even his father don't feel it's a big deal. That is not to say I have never given him a sip or small glass but as a general rule I don't feel he needs it, we don't even need it for that matter!
Having said all that I am not completely anti-soda. I LOVE a nice cold soda once in a while and even crave it on occasion. I don't generally keep in in the house because I know even diet soda is not good for you and drinking milk or water is much better option. I tend to "treat" myself to one if I have some errands to run, grabbing one in the little refrigerators at the check out. I do find, however, that it seems like a slippery slope: the more soda I drink the more I want to drink it! Another reason why I try to keep it out of the house not to mention the fact it cuts down on the arguing with the 3 year old if it's not here.
Now what brings up this topic you ask? Well I came across an article published in the NYT called Soda: A Sin We Sip Instead of Smoke? written by Mark Bittman. The title caught my eye and I just HAD to read! I encourage you to do the same. It's a very interesting article that brings up many great points and also discusses the soda tax that is being discussed in many states.
The first major point made is "the problem is that at roughly 50 gallons per person per year, our consumption of soda, not to mention other sugar-sweetened beverages, is far from moderate, and appears to be an important factor in the rise in childhood obesity." It also makes the point that "adult onset" diabetes can no longer be appropriately called that because many children are now developing it.
I honestly think this is the core of the entire article and frankly the entire debate for that matter. Moderation is the key to everything and everything is ok in moderation, even ice cream and brownies. The same holds true for soda. If you can really keep to just occasionally having a can then it's not a big deal but if you drink it everyday, or multiple times a day, then it's going to become a problem. The same goes for sweets, fatty foods, and other sugar laden drinks. This is along the lines of the point made by Susan Neely, president of the American Beverage Association. Now obviously a person who is president of the ABA would not likely be okay on the idea of a tax on a product that brings in major revenue however she does make a very valid point when she says: “If you’re trying to manage people being overweight you need a variety of behavior changes to achieve energy balance — it can’t be done by eliminating one food from the diet.”
The rest of the article mainly focuses on the tax on soda that is gaining interest. Five states already have a small excise tax on soda and Chicago has a 3% retail tax on soft drinks already in place. Just last year 12 states proposed taxes on soda although none were approved. From reading this article though it seems like it's only a matter of time before it happens.
I personally do not have a problem with this tax as long as it's minor and the revenue is actually being used to fund obesity prevention programs, educational programs in schools and other programs that will teach children and adults about nutrition. I feel it's very important to teach children especially, how to eat healthy and how it can help your body. They really are the next generation and are probably the most receptive to change and the habits are more likely to stick. I know many people will not feel the same way but we don't consume enough soda in our household for it to be a big deal.
I don't feel the problems lies with soda specifically but lies more with balance and education. If we could educate the masses about healthy living and finding balance in what you eat it would go much further than a tax on soda but if a tax on soda can generate the revenue to fund these programs and other programs that may make produce more affordable then I say go for it.
What are your thoughts on the soda debate and tax? Do you agree or disagree? Think soda is a major contributing factor to obesity or not?
I think soda, and almost any beverage outside of water, is a contributor to obesity (though most new epidemiological research indicates it is far from an "epidemic," but the difference between correlation and causation is for another day) and the idea of a soda tax is a good idea. However, I think that at 3% it will not make a huge difference and historically, such things are not really an effective deterrent. It only works out to about $.15 per case and I really don't think that will be enough to impact many people. As someone who shamelessly considers Diet Coke to be a food group, until the cost was astronomical, I might not care. Additionally, as we have seen with cigarettes, alcohol and even gas, Americans will pay it to indulge their vices. Doesn't make it right, but from a policy perspective, makes me wonder if any of these "taxes" really instigate change.
ReplyDeleteI think your point is entirely correct: the tax may not make a difference, but the education programs it will fund might. Of course, we need to educate people about what the food pyramid should actually look like vs. the one the FDA published, but again, a debate for another day.
Great article and fabulous post, your analysis hits the nail on the head!
Thanks!! I felt very analytical for a change and less of a SAHM. It was fun reading this and giving my opinions on it and I think I will be doing so more often. Great way to bounce some ideas around.
ReplyDeleteI too agree that the majority of beverages contribute to obesity. In fact a cup of 100% juice has more sugar in it then a can of Coke! I guess the argument there is that it has more "nutritional value" in it but I'd hardly say it's good for you!
I also think a big part of it is "convenience food" whether it be fast food or prepackage dinners. I'm not talking frozen veggies or boxes of pasta, I'm talking things like hamburger helper! We can't all be perfect all the time but I find it almost absurd that people eat this every day. And the argument that eating healthy costs too much is simply a debate for another day.
I'm with you though also that we need to start following the original food pyramid. I still haven't read that book but it's on the list, I have been wanting too since I saw your little review!