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Epoch Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Epoch Times
Public Backs Tough Rules on Sugary Drinks to Fight Obesity
With obesity now Australia's top preventable health burden, a new national survey reveals strong public support for decisive action—starting with sugar-laden drinks. Published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, the survey of over 2,800 adults found that 83 percent of Australians back clearer labelling for added sugars in beverages. Another 73 percent want marketing of sugary drinks to children banned, while 56 percent support a health levy on soft drinks. But the concern goes beyond regular sodas. The majority of Australians also support tighter controls and clearer labels for 'diet' and 'zero' soft drinks, as well as 100 percent fruit juice—products often perceived as healthier, but still high in sugar. Lead author Professor Caroline Miller, director of the Health Policy Centre at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute and president of the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA), said the message to policymakers is clear. 'Sugary drinks are a significant driver of obesity, which has recently overtaken tobacco as Australia's biggest cause of preventable disease burden,' she said. She urged the government to prioritise public health over corporate profits and introduce 'cost-effective steps that would help Australians make informed decisions.' Public Health Experts: Don't Rely on Education Alone Health advocates say the findings underscore strong community demand for government intervention—not just consumer education. 'There's genuine concern about unhealthy drinks and a clear expectation that the Australian Government will show leadership,' said PHAA CEO Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin. Miller warned that misconceptions around no-sugar drinks, so-called 'healthier' alternatives, remain widespread. 'There's work to be done to help Australians understand that non-sugar sweetened beverages and 100 percent fruit juice shouldn't be consumed regularly or in high quantities,' she said. 'Improved labelling is an important first step.' Slevin added that a health levy could also push beverage makers to rethink their products. 'It would encourage manufacturers to reformulate drinks and reduce sugar content,' he said. In March, just before the budget, the Australian Medical Association's 'Sickly Sweet' pre-budget submission also called for a sugar tax.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Teenage ailments linked to poor diets and bad habits
While Timothy To was navigating the pressures of teenage life in high school, he had an added burden at home. With the adults in his life working, the then 13-year-old would care for his siblings and family members with intellectual disabilities when he returned from school. "It was very emotionally draining. It takes up a large portion of your personal time, and it contributes to social isolation," Mr To told AAP. Over time, the stress exacerbated his mental health issues. "The low mood was always there, but it became very intense when I was 15 to 16 and that was the first symptoms of my mental limit, and the burnout started setting in from my over-achieving academically." This strain on his immune system culminated in Mr To experiencing the chronic skin condition eczema when he was 20 years old. Almost one in two Australian teens live with chronic diseases or developmental conditions including ADHD or autism, and this has been linked to mental health as well as ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks, screen time, smoking and alcohol in the first study of its kind in Australia. A survey of more than 5000 Australian teens published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health found 45.6 per cent had some form of non-communicable disease or mental condition. While the study could not say unhealthy lifestyles caused these conditions, lead author Bridie Osman said there was a clear link which demonstrates the magnitude of the public health issue. "Modern lifestyles are quite dire for adolescents. (The system) really is stacked against them," she told AAP. The most common chronic diseases in teens were hay fever at 23 per cent, and 10 per cent said they had eczema, while nine per cent said they had ADHD which was the most common developmental condition. Being female, consuming more ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks and alcohol, having more screen time or having a mental health condition were associated with higher rates of chronic disease or developmental conditions. But male teens with a mental health condition were at a disproportionate risk of these health issues compared with their females counterparts. "Poor mental health can inhibit an inflammatory response ... This can contribute to the onset of disease," the study said. Mr To has been seeing psychologists but having used all his subsidised sessions, finding another is emotionally draining and turns him off continuing to reach out. As teen health worsens, the impact will flow onto the entire population, Dr Osman said. "The system makes it very hard to live a healthy lifestyle," she said. More funding for health literacy, access to nutritious foods and supporting parents to improve their parenting styles will benefit teenagers' immune health. Public Health Association of Australia chief executive Terry Slevin said the next federal government must do more to help all Australians, particularly teenagers, choose the right foods to set them up with good physical and mental health. Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25) beyondblue 1300 22 4636
