Raising cost of junk foods 'would help cut consumption'

Raising cost of junk foods 'would help cut consumption'

Increasing tax on pizza, fizzy drinks and other junk food would reduce consumption and help contribute to a healthier population, new research suggests.

According to a study at the University of North Carolina in the US, adults tend to eat fewer unhealthy foods as the price of such items increases.

The research, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, said raising tax on these foods would reduce overall calorie intake and help combat obesity.

Scientists looked at the dietary habits of more than 5,000 adults aged 18 to 30 over a period of 20 years, measuring height, weight and glucose and insulin levels.

During the study period, a ten per cent rise in cost coincided with a seven per cent drop in the number of calories consumed from fizzy drinks.

Meanwhile, the same price increase on pizza was linked with a 12 per cent decrease in calorie intake from the food.

The researchers said the findings suggest that policies to raise the cost of unhealthy foods and drinks could help steer people towards a more nutritious diet.

The study comes after similar research published in the journal Health Affairs found that eliminating sugar-laden drinks and high-fat foods from schools helped encourage healthier eating and lifestyle choices among children.