Question

Are added Sugars the Cause of the Obesity Epidemic?

Do you think that added sugars in foods and beverages would be tightly regulated, or even banned? why or why not?

Should reducing consumption of sugary drinks be up to individuals, or should it be encouraged via sales taxes and/or bans on promotions such as coupons, two-for-one pricing, and free refills in restaurants that would make these drinks more expensive overall? Depend your answer.

Answer 1

Despite the growing recognition of the problem, the obesity epidemic continues in the U.S., and obesity rates are increasing around the world. The latest estimates are that approximately 34% of adults and 15–20% of children and adolescents in the U.S. are obese. While added Sugars are one among the causes it is not the sole reason for this problem. But, it is implicated by many studies as contributing factors for the OBESITY EPIDEMIC, In other words, an increase in body weight is directly linked to an INCREASE IN CALORY INTAKE AND LACK OF EXERCISE and added Sugars are one among the contributing factor to obesity.

I do not think that added sugars in foods and beverages banned or tightly regulated. Because, as we saw in the earlier paragraph it is not the sole reason for this issue and it would not be practical in a democratic society to tightly regulate citizen's food consumption or calory intake. Furthermore, any kind of ban on these items is also undemocratic and not a pragmatic solution as consenting individuals have the right to eat the food of their choice.

Again, it is unnecessary and unethical for the government to ban free second refills in restaurants or commercials and promotions run on the online platform and TV channels as it should be up to the individual whether to watch an ad or purchase a sugar soda. Taxing heavily on these products is also not a viable solution as these drinks are not unhealthy for all instead, only obese and those who are vulnerable to obesity need to take caution about drinking sugar drinks and NOT ALL THE POPULATION OF SOCIETY.

Instead of banning Added   Sugars or imposing high taxes , it is recommended that goverment , governmental agencies and other policy makers  can run helath education campaigns promoting the importance of eating a balanced diet and the dangers of obesity, and the risks of drinking too much Sugar based products.It is also remmeded that people should become aware abot the risks of obsity and the importance of excercise in a helathy life.