Would a tax on sugar reduce weight significantly?
There have been debates in the British Medical Journal recently regarding suggestions that a tax should be put on sugary drinks or upon sugar itself – in order to reduce weight and the adverse health effects – diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hypertension.
The British Medical Association advocates a tax on sugary drinks, and Professor Sirpa Sarlis Lahtenkovra, of the Finish health authority, argues that a tax on sugar itself would be more effective than targeting specific food categories.
The experts seem to have ignored the fact that there is already a tax. Tax on food and drink is usually zero rated, but VAT, at 20%, is charged on alcoholic drinks, confectionary crisps and savoury snacks, hot food, sports drinks, hot takeaways, ice cream, soft drinks and mineral water. This does not seem to have done anything to prevent disease.
What is actually needed, to prevent the adverse effects, is to change attitudes towards food and real body need. If someone does seem to have an addiction to sugar, cream cakes, gateaux, and stuff from junk food promoters, then these are, in fact, bad habits that can be changed.
The advocates of a sugar tax fail to realise that weight management is mindset. If we can change the mindset, then we can change people's attitudes.
Effective Hypnosis has been successful in controlling weight with many people – take a look at the testimonials here – and decide if it would be right for you.
Matthew Hall, Master in Clinical Hypnosis
www.effectivehypnosis.co.uk
