Cheap sugary drinks, alcohol lead to more disease, danger, says WHO

Geneva (dpa) – Sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages are too cheap because they are not taxed enough, leading to higher rates of obesity, diabetes and other diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. Children and young adults are especially affected, the WHO says in a statement after releasing two global reports. There should be taxes on such drinks or higher taxes if they are already in place, says the WHO. This would make them more expensive and therefore less likely to be consumed, while also generating more money for health care. Worldwide, 116 countries now tax soft drinks and other sugary beverages, according to WHO figures, many other high-sugar drinks remain untaxed, such as 100% fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks and ready-made coffees or teas. "Health taxes are one of the strongest tools we have for promoting health and preventing disease," says WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The WHO also noted out that at least 25 countries, mainly in Europe, including Germany, do not have excise taxes on wine. Unlike wine, spirits such as fruit brandy, cognac, vodka, whisky or Korn are subject to alcohol tax, and beer is subject to a beer tax. Alcohol consumption can lead to violence, injuries and illness, says WHO director Etienne Krug. “While industry profits, the public often carries the health consequences and society the economic costs,” Krug says. The following information is not intended for publication dpa oe xxde mew mlm arw

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