El impuesto sobre bebidas azucaradas en España = Tax on sugar sweetened beverages in Spain

Ortún Rubio, Vicente; González López-Valcárcel, Beatriz; Pinilla Domínguez, Jaime

El impuesto sobre bebidas azucaradas en España = Tax on sugar sweetened beverages in Spain

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Citation

Ortún V, López-Valcárcel BG, Pinilla J. El impuesto sobre bebidas azucaradas en España = Tax on sugar sweetened beverages in Spain. Revista española de la salud pública. 2016;90:e1-e13 CE.

Abstract

This article provides a critical review about the challenges that taxes on sugary drinks as an instrument of health policy must face to reverse the trend of the current epidemics of obesity. We analyzed the experiences of the leading countries, particularly Mexico, and reflect on the counterweight exerted by the industry against obesity policies, and on the power of lobbyists. Those tax policies for public health have to overcome the enormous strength of the industry, which is exerted in several-science and research, brand reputation, influence on regulators-levels. We suggest that a specific tax on sugary drinks has enough potential to reduce noncommunicable diseases and risk -diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, lipoproteins, LDL, blood pressure- via reduced consumption thanks to the high price elasticity of those drinks. Furthermore, the effects are amplified even in the medium term, once established new habits to healthier eating. These taxes could encourage business innovation without inflicting costs of lost jobs and contribute to reducing the social gradient in obesity