A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that sugar-sweetened beverage taxes may contribute to weight loss, particularly among young adults and specific demographic groups. Researchers analyzed data from over a million adults in California, finding a modest reduction in BMI in cities with beverage taxes, especially for those aged 20-39, women, and White participants. The study highlights the potential of beverage taxes as a policy tool to combat obesity.
By Dr. Sanchari Sinha Dutta, Ph.D.Reviewed by Benedette Cuffari, M.Sc.Jan 30 2025 New findings suggest that sugar-sweetened beverage tax es may contribute to weight reduction, particularly among young adults and certain demographic groups.
How sugar-sweetened beverages drive obesity In the United States, about 31% and 42% of adults are considered overweight and obese, respectively. An individual is considered overweight when their BMI exceeds 25 kg/m2, whereas obesity is defined as having a BMI of over 30 kg/m2. Excise taxes are implemented on sugar-sweetened beverages as a policy intervention aiming to improve cardiometabolic conditions and generating revenue for public health initiatives. These taxes increase the purchase price of these beverages, thereby reducing purchasing and consumption.
Related StoriesAmong the study participants, 178,931 were living in four California cities with beverage taxes including Albany, Berkeley, Oakland, and San Francisco. The study cohort was compared with the control cohort of the remaining 865,343 individuals residing in 40 California cities without beverage taxes.
These associations were also stratified by city with beverage tax, age category, sex, race and ethnicity, and year of post-tax implementation. This analysis revealed a modest reduction in BMI among adults between 20 and 39 years of age, female participants, and White participants living in cities with beverage tax.
Among four California cities with beverage tax, Albany, Berkeley, and San Francisco, respectively, invested 100%, 92%, and 79% of their sugar-sweetened beverage tax revenue to health-related goals. Comparatively, Oakland divided allocations relatively evenly between human and community capital and health.
BEVERAGE TAX OBESITY BMI YOUNG ADULTS DEMOGRAPHIC
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