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Science AMA wants tax on junk foods
Science AMA wants tax on junk foods | AMA wants tax on junk foods |
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| by William Atkins | |
| Thursday, 08 May 2008 | |
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Science DiscussionsThe Australian Medical Association (AMA) issued a “Position Statement on Obesity” on May 4, 2008, which calls for applying taxes on such foods that it considers unhealthy, such as “junk food” and sugary soft drinks. The statement by the AMA is part of a program to address obesity in Australia. A National Obesity Strategy, by the National Preventative Health Taskforce, has recently been initiated to make obesity a “National Health Priority Area.” Other areas of interest for the Taskforce are the misuse of alcohol and use of tobacco. According to the Statement, additional taxes on unhealthy foods, such as those with high sugar or fat content, would help to reduce the incidences of obesity in Australia, especially among its children. The Statement says significantly higher taxes should apply to products known to significantly contribute to obesity, especially in children. In addition, foods known to be healthy, such as fruit and vegetables, should be subsidized by government to ensure that their prices remain low (when compared to unhealthy foods) and remain attractive to buy for all consumers. AMA presient Rosanna Capolingue stated that such actions are necessary because obesity is a problem for Australia and every person in Australia needs to take responsible action to curb the increasing incidences of obesity. She states that obesity causes Australia, as a whole, over A$20 billion each year. In fact, according to the MedicalNewsToday.com article “Getting Obesity Under Control - Australian Medical Association Position Statement On Obesity”, the following facts are listed:
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