The obesity epidemic and sugar-sweetened beverages: a taxing time

Colagiuri, Stephen

doi:10.5694/mja16.00825

Topics

Government action is essential to improve diet

Obesity is a major and costly public health epidemic, and an Australian national health priority that requires urgent action. While obesity is a complex condition with many contributing factors, a relative excessive kilojoule intake is a major driver of weight gain. Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) contribute to this excess energy intake in children and adults, are linked with obesity, diabetes and dental caries, and are an increasing focus of public health attention.

Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition and Exercise, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW

Correspondence: stephen.colagiuri@sydney.edu.au

Competing interests:

No relevant disclosures.

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