British Dental Health Foundation Backs Tax On Unhealthy Foods
The British Dental Health Foundation has backed proposals to add tax to unhealthy foods.
In a report compiled by the National Heart Foundation, experts propose adding tax to unhealthy foods and sugary drinks to try and tackle the increasingly alarming problem of obesity. Obesity is becoming more prevalent in the UK and it is associated with a host of health complications, including an increased risk of heart disease, strokes, some forms of cancer and diabetes.
The NHF also recommends duties on fizzy drinks to try and reduce consumption, which has increased significantly over the last decade. The report suggests that money raised by the tax initiative could be used to support public health programmes and educational campaigns to encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, welcomed the NHF report and said that the proposals would also have certain benefits for oral health, as many of the foods and drinks that are linked to weight gain are also harmful for the teeth and gums.
Dr Carter is particularly eager to push through one of the main messages of the report, which advises people to eat and drink sugary food and drinks less frequently during the day. Dr Carter said that any message that encourages people to reduce the number of times their teeth are exposed to acidic or sugary foods and drinks should be welcomed. Increases in sugar and fizzy drink consumption are major contributors to the increased prevalence of tooth decay among young children in the UK.
Dr Carter added that obesity costs the UK an enormous amount of money each year and health conditions linked to weight gain, including type 2 diabetes, also have severe implications for oral health.
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