Ecological research from the USA has demonstrated a positive relationship between sugars consumption and prevalence of obesity; however, the relationship in other nations is not well described. The aim of this study was to analyze the trends in obesity and sugar consumption in Australia over the past 30 years and to compare and contrast obesity trends and sugar consumption patterns in Australia with the UK and USA.
We exploit a unique panel dataset of about 8000 households, including detailed information of their purchases of products at the barcode level to estimate the impact of the introduction of a
series of taxes on sugary drinks and other products with high caloric density in Mexico using an “event-study” type methodology.
Soda taxes and the prices of sodas and other drinks evidence from mexicoContribuyentes mx
To combat a growing obesity problem, Mexico imposed a nationwide tax on drinks with added sugar, popularly referred to as a “soda tax,” effective January 2014. I analyze data on taxed and untaxed products collected as part of Mexico’s Consumer Price Index program to estimate how prices responded to the tax. Prices of regular sodas jumped by more than the amount of the tax in the month that the tax took effect.
The consumer price index for Sint Maarten decreased 0.1% in June 2013 compared to April 2013. While prices decreased slightly month-to-month, annual inflation remained steady at 2.7% when comparing prices from June 2012 to June 2013. Most expenditure categories saw price increases over the past year, with the largest increase in food prices at 7.4%.
Australia faces three main health challenges: ensuring equal healthcare access for Aboriginal populations, a projected 5.3% loss in agricultural productivity due to climate change by 2050, and high risks from sea level rise and extreme weather due to its geography. The country's healthcare system has examples of both good policy matches, like its successful tobacco control policies, and mismatches, as obesity policies have lagged despite high obesity rates. While Australia has a mixed public-private healthcare system called Medicare, the system faces issues from divisions between state and federal governments, poor coordination, and workforce shortages. Future priorities include policy actions on obesity and lifestyles, reducing cancer and diabetes, and advancing medical technology.
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: GreeceOECD Governance
Country fact sheet showing indicators on strategic governance, women in government, public finance & economics, public procurement, budget practices & procedures, open and inclusive government, public employment & pay, and serving citizens.
More information is available from the OECD publication Government at a Glance 2013.
http://www.oecd.org/gov/govataglance.htm
The document analyzes geographic variations in healthcare use across 13 OECD countries. It finds that hospital admission and surgery rates, such as coronary bypass rates, angioplasty rates, knee replacement rates, and c-section rates, vary significantly both across countries and within some countries. For example, coronary bypass rates vary by more than 3-fold across countries and up to 6-fold within some countries. These variations suggest opportunities for healthcare systems to improve performance and outcomes.
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: AustraliaOECD Governance
This document provides an overview of government performance indicators for Australia compared to OECD averages. It includes data on public finances, employment, procurement, governance, and services. Key findings for Australia are that it has high government revenues as a percentage of GDP, larger gaps in pay between senior managers and average workers compared to most OECD countries, and above average citizen satisfaction with public services. The document is an overview of Australia's performance on various government indicators relative to other OECD nations.
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: United StatesOECD Governance
Country fact sheet showing indicators on strategic governance, women in government, public finance & economics, public procurement, budget practices & procedures, open and inclusive government, public employment & pay, and serving citizens.
More information is available from the OECD publication Government at a Glance 2013.
http://www.oecd.org/gov/govataglance.htm
We exploit a unique panel dataset of about 8000 households, including detailed information of their purchases of products at the barcode level to estimate the impact of the introduction of a
series of taxes on sugary drinks and other products with high caloric density in Mexico using an “event-study” type methodology.
Soda taxes and the prices of sodas and other drinks evidence from mexicoContribuyentes mx
To combat a growing obesity problem, Mexico imposed a nationwide tax on drinks with added sugar, popularly referred to as a “soda tax,” effective January 2014. I analyze data on taxed and untaxed products collected as part of Mexico’s Consumer Price Index program to estimate how prices responded to the tax. Prices of regular sodas jumped by more than the amount of the tax in the month that the tax took effect.
The consumer price index for Sint Maarten decreased 0.1% in June 2013 compared to April 2013. While prices decreased slightly month-to-month, annual inflation remained steady at 2.7% when comparing prices from June 2012 to June 2013. Most expenditure categories saw price increases over the past year, with the largest increase in food prices at 7.4%.
Australia faces three main health challenges: ensuring equal healthcare access for Aboriginal populations, a projected 5.3% loss in agricultural productivity due to climate change by 2050, and high risks from sea level rise and extreme weather due to its geography. The country's healthcare system has examples of both good policy matches, like its successful tobacco control policies, and mismatches, as obesity policies have lagged despite high obesity rates. While Australia has a mixed public-private healthcare system called Medicare, the system faces issues from divisions between state and federal governments, poor coordination, and workforce shortages. Future priorities include policy actions on obesity and lifestyles, reducing cancer and diabetes, and advancing medical technology.
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: GreeceOECD Governance
Country fact sheet showing indicators on strategic governance, women in government, public finance & economics, public procurement, budget practices & procedures, open and inclusive government, public employment & pay, and serving citizens.
More information is available from the OECD publication Government at a Glance 2013.
http://www.oecd.org/gov/govataglance.htm
The document analyzes geographic variations in healthcare use across 13 OECD countries. It finds that hospital admission and surgery rates, such as coronary bypass rates, angioplasty rates, knee replacement rates, and c-section rates, vary significantly both across countries and within some countries. For example, coronary bypass rates vary by more than 3-fold across countries and up to 6-fold within some countries. These variations suggest opportunities for healthcare systems to improve performance and outcomes.
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: AustraliaOECD Governance
This document provides an overview of government performance indicators for Australia compared to OECD averages. It includes data on public finances, employment, procurement, governance, and services. Key findings for Australia are that it has high government revenues as a percentage of GDP, larger gaps in pay between senior managers and average workers compared to most OECD countries, and above average citizen satisfaction with public services. The document is an overview of Australia's performance on various government indicators relative to other OECD nations.
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: United StatesOECD Governance
Country fact sheet showing indicators on strategic governance, women in government, public finance & economics, public procurement, budget practices & procedures, open and inclusive government, public employment & pay, and serving citizens.
More information is available from the OECD publication Government at a Glance 2013.
http://www.oecd.org/gov/govataglance.htm
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: ItalyOECD Governance
This document provides an overview of government performance indicators across OECD countries, including Italy, in areas such as public finances, employment, governance, and services. Key findings for Italy include a government debt level that represented 119.9% of GDP in 2011, the second highest in the OECD. Public procurement accounted for 21.2% of total government expenditures in 2011, the second lowest share. Italy ranks among the top third of countries in the OECD index on asset disclosure across government. Satisfaction and confidence in public services varies, with higher ratings for health care and education and lower for judicial system and local police.
The document discusses perspectives on the US sugar program from various sectors including public health, agriculture, food industry, and trade. There are opposing views on whether the sugar program's price supports and import restrictions are beneficial or detrimental. Public health experts argue higher sugar prices from the program may help reduce obesity rates but also encourage use of high fructose corn syrup. Sugar farmers benefit but consumers and food companies pay higher prices. Reforming the program poses challenges given diverse stakeholder interests.
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: MexicoOECD Governance
Country fact sheet showing indicators on strategic governance, women in government, public finance & economics, public procurement, budget practices & procedures, open and inclusive government, public employment & pay, and serving citizens.
More information is available from the OECD publication Government at a Glance 2013.
http://www.oecd.org/gov/govataglance.htm
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: SpainOECD Governance
Country fact sheet showing indicators on strategic governance, women in government, public finance & economics, public procurement, budget practices & procedures, open and inclusive government, public employment & pay, and serving citizens.
More information is available from the OECD publication Government at a Glance 2013.
http://www.oecd.org/gov/govataglance.htm
The UK performs middling to low on key health benchmarks compared to other OECD countries, according to a new OECD report. While the UK excels in access to care, having low out-of-pocket costs and unmet medical needs, it lags in health outcomes like life expectancy and cancer survival rates. Additionally, high rates of smoking, drinking and obesity undermine population health. The UK also has mediocre quality of care outcomes despite being a leader in quality policies. While per capita health spending is average for the OECD, it is below top spending countries and growth has been flat in recent years.
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: PortugalOECD Governance
Country fact sheet showing indicators on strategic governance, women in government, public finance & economics, public procurement, budget practices & procedures, open and inclusive government, public employment & pay, and serving citizens.
More information is available from the OECD publication Government at a Glance 2013.
http://www.oecd.org/gov/govataglance.htm
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: JapanOECD Governance
Country fact sheet showing indicators on strategic governance, women in government, public finance & economics, public procurement, budget practices & procedures, open and inclusive government, public employment & pay, and serving citizens.
More information is available from the OECD publication Government at a Glance 2013.
http://www.oecd.org/gov/govataglance.htm
This seventh edition of Health at a Glance provides the latest comparable data on different aspects of the performance of health systems in OECD countries. It provides striking evidence of large variations across countries in the costs, activities and results of health systems. Key indicators provide information on health status, the determinants of health, health care activities and health expenditure and financing in OECD countries. Each indicator in the book is presented in a user-friendly format, consisting of charts illustrating variations across countries and over time, brief descriptive analyses highlighting the major findings conveyed by the data, and a methodological box on the definition of the indicator and any limitations in data comparability.
National Diet and Nutrition Survey: UK 2008 - 2012 - Executive Summary New Food Innovation Ltd
"The NDNS provides the only source of high quality nationally representative data on the types and quantities of foods consumed by individuals, from which estimates of nutrient intake for the population are derived.iv Results are used by Government to develop policy and monitor progress on diet and nutrition objectives of UK health departments, for example those set out in the Healthy Lives, Healthy People white paper in England.v The food consumption data are also used by FSA to assess exposure to chemicals in food, as part of the risk assessment and communication process in response to a food emergency or to inform negotiations on setting regulatory limits for contaminants."
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: ChileOECD Governance
Country fact sheet showing indicators on strategic governance, women in government, public finance & economics, public procurement, budget practices & procedures, open and inclusive government, public employment & pay, and serving citizens.
More information is available from the OECD publication Government at a Glance 2013.
http://www.oecd.org/gov/govataglance.htm
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: BelgiumOECD Governance
The document is a fact sheet from the OECD that provides key indicators on government performance for Belgium compared to OECD averages. It shows that trust in the Belgian government has decreased substantially in recent years. While Belgium spends more per student on education than average, PISA test scores are close to average. The tax system and social transfers in Belgium are highly effective at reducing income inequality. However, Belgium faces fiscal challenges in ensuring long-term sustainability of public finances due to required debt reductions.
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: New ZealandOECD Governance
Country fact sheet showing indicators on strategic governance, women in government, public finance & economics, public procurement, budget practices & procedures, open and inclusive government, public employment & pay, and serving citizens.
More information is available from the OECD publication Government at a Glance 2013.
http://www.oecd.org/gov/govataglance.htm
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: KoreaOECD Governance
Country fact sheet showing indicators on strategic governance, women in government, public finance & economics, public procurement, budget practices & procedures, open and inclusive government, public employment & pay, and serving citizens.
More information is available from the OECD publication Government at a Glance 2013.
http://www.oecd.org/gov/govataglance.htm
The document is a report from the OECD titled "Health at a Glance 2015" that provides data on key health indicators across OECD countries. It includes sections on health status, risk factors, health workforce, health spending, and quality of care. Some of the key findings summarized are: average life expectancy has increased over 10 years to over 80 years across OECD countries; obesity and smoking rates have also risen but are declining in some countries; healthcare spending has grown but pharmaceutical spending has been cut in many countries through increased generic drug use; and countries vary in terms of physician and nurse pay and the proportion that are foreign-trained.
The document discusses a 2014 vote in Missouri on Amendment 1, known as the "Right to Farm" bill. Using census and subsidy data, the author hypothesizes that counties with higher in-migration, lower education levels, more people employed in agriculture, and higher subsidy amounts would be more likely to vote yes on the bill. The bill passed with 51% of votes. The author presents descriptive statistics showing variation across counties in demographic and economic factors that may have influenced voting outcomes. Subsidies for corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton and rice were the highest, with corn receiving the most at over $2.85 million for Missouri in 2013.
The Opioid Epidemic: An Important Auditor UpdatePYA, P.C.
PYA Tampa Office Managing Principal Angie Caldwell and Consulting Senior Manager Sarah Bowman addressed “The Opioid Epidemic: An Important Auditor Update” in their presentation. They:
Provided an overview of the scope of the opioid crisis, emerging trends in opioid abuse, and recent regulatory activity.
Analyzed key internal control risk areas to prevent drug diversion.
Reviewed specific examples of monitoring for fraud and abuse related to the opioid epidemic.
Health spending is likely to continue growing faster than economic growth, putting pressure on public budgets. While accommodating greater health spending may be acceptable, opportunities exist to increase productivity in health systems. In the long run, the correlation between health spending and GDP may need to be weakened to ensure fiscal sustainability, through policies like improving efficiency, shifting focus to prevention, and better defining public coverage.
The document is a report from the OECD and European Commission titled "Health at a Glance: Europe 2014" that was released in December 2014. It provides data and analysis on health status, risk factors, health care resources, quality of care, access to care, and health expenditure in European countries. The report finds that while life expectancy has increased across Europe, gaps remain between countries and education levels. It also examines trends in diseases, health risks, health workforce and capacity, treatment outcomes, financial barriers to care, and spending on health systems.
This document summarizes a presentation given by Willem Adema on gender equality trends in Asia and the Pacific. It finds that while educational attainment for women has increased and gender gaps in areas like wages have declined, disparities still persist in areas like leadership positions, unpaid work, and entrepreneurship. Encouraging greater female labor force participation and addressing issues like work-life balance and stereotypes are seen as important to mitigate challenges from trends like population aging facing some countries in the region.
This document summarizes key findings from the OECD report "Health at a Glance 2015: How Japan Compares?". It finds that:
1) Quality of care in Japan is generally good, though there is room to improve diabetes care and reduce unnecessary hospital admissions. Mortality for heart attacks after admission is also high.
2) Japan has fewer doctors per capita than most OECD countries, though nurse supply is high. There are opportunities to better utilize nurses and improve efficiency.
3) Healthcare spending in Japan has risen faster than most OECD countries in recent years and is now higher than the OECD average as a share of GDP. Achieving greater value for money through efficiency gains is a priority
The document examines how promoting greater diversity in protein choices in the UK could lead to more sustainable diets and better health outcomes by 2030. It finds that diversifying protein sources through options like plant-based proteins, seafood, and meat alternatives would generally have positive sustainability impacts compared to current high meat consumption levels. The report provides a framework to quantitatively assess the social, economic and environmental impacts of different protein sources. It finds that with some exceptions, greater protein diversity would align well with health, affordability, environmental and social goals for a sustainable diet in the UK.
This review paper examines evidence on dietary and other factors that influence weight gain and obesity at the population level. It finds convincing evidence that regular physical activity and high fiber intake protect against obesity, while sedentary lifestyles and consumption of calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods increase obesity risk. It recommends a range of strategies to address obesity, including making healthy foods more available, limiting marketing of unhealthy foods to children, promoting active transportation, and improving health services and messaging around nutrition and physical activity. Comprehensive programs are needed to reverse obesity epidemic trends affecting both rich and poor countries.
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: ItalyOECD Governance
This document provides an overview of government performance indicators across OECD countries, including Italy, in areas such as public finances, employment, governance, and services. Key findings for Italy include a government debt level that represented 119.9% of GDP in 2011, the second highest in the OECD. Public procurement accounted for 21.2% of total government expenditures in 2011, the second lowest share. Italy ranks among the top third of countries in the OECD index on asset disclosure across government. Satisfaction and confidence in public services varies, with higher ratings for health care and education and lower for judicial system and local police.
The document discusses perspectives on the US sugar program from various sectors including public health, agriculture, food industry, and trade. There are opposing views on whether the sugar program's price supports and import restrictions are beneficial or detrimental. Public health experts argue higher sugar prices from the program may help reduce obesity rates but also encourage use of high fructose corn syrup. Sugar farmers benefit but consumers and food companies pay higher prices. Reforming the program poses challenges given diverse stakeholder interests.
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: MexicoOECD Governance
Country fact sheet showing indicators on strategic governance, women in government, public finance & economics, public procurement, budget practices & procedures, open and inclusive government, public employment & pay, and serving citizens.
More information is available from the OECD publication Government at a Glance 2013.
http://www.oecd.org/gov/govataglance.htm
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: SpainOECD Governance
Country fact sheet showing indicators on strategic governance, women in government, public finance & economics, public procurement, budget practices & procedures, open and inclusive government, public employment & pay, and serving citizens.
More information is available from the OECD publication Government at a Glance 2013.
http://www.oecd.org/gov/govataglance.htm
The UK performs middling to low on key health benchmarks compared to other OECD countries, according to a new OECD report. While the UK excels in access to care, having low out-of-pocket costs and unmet medical needs, it lags in health outcomes like life expectancy and cancer survival rates. Additionally, high rates of smoking, drinking and obesity undermine population health. The UK also has mediocre quality of care outcomes despite being a leader in quality policies. While per capita health spending is average for the OECD, it is below top spending countries and growth has been flat in recent years.
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: PortugalOECD Governance
Country fact sheet showing indicators on strategic governance, women in government, public finance & economics, public procurement, budget practices & procedures, open and inclusive government, public employment & pay, and serving citizens.
More information is available from the OECD publication Government at a Glance 2013.
http://www.oecd.org/gov/govataglance.htm
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: JapanOECD Governance
Country fact sheet showing indicators on strategic governance, women in government, public finance & economics, public procurement, budget practices & procedures, open and inclusive government, public employment & pay, and serving citizens.
More information is available from the OECD publication Government at a Glance 2013.
http://www.oecd.org/gov/govataglance.htm
This seventh edition of Health at a Glance provides the latest comparable data on different aspects of the performance of health systems in OECD countries. It provides striking evidence of large variations across countries in the costs, activities and results of health systems. Key indicators provide information on health status, the determinants of health, health care activities and health expenditure and financing in OECD countries. Each indicator in the book is presented in a user-friendly format, consisting of charts illustrating variations across countries and over time, brief descriptive analyses highlighting the major findings conveyed by the data, and a methodological box on the definition of the indicator and any limitations in data comparability.
National Diet and Nutrition Survey: UK 2008 - 2012 - Executive Summary New Food Innovation Ltd
"The NDNS provides the only source of high quality nationally representative data on the types and quantities of foods consumed by individuals, from which estimates of nutrient intake for the population are derived.iv Results are used by Government to develop policy and monitor progress on diet and nutrition objectives of UK health departments, for example those set out in the Healthy Lives, Healthy People white paper in England.v The food consumption data are also used by FSA to assess exposure to chemicals in food, as part of the risk assessment and communication process in response to a food emergency or to inform negotiations on setting regulatory limits for contaminants."
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: ChileOECD Governance
Country fact sheet showing indicators on strategic governance, women in government, public finance & economics, public procurement, budget practices & procedures, open and inclusive government, public employment & pay, and serving citizens.
More information is available from the OECD publication Government at a Glance 2013.
http://www.oecd.org/gov/govataglance.htm
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: BelgiumOECD Governance
The document is a fact sheet from the OECD that provides key indicators on government performance for Belgium compared to OECD averages. It shows that trust in the Belgian government has decreased substantially in recent years. While Belgium spends more per student on education than average, PISA test scores are close to average. The tax system and social transfers in Belgium are highly effective at reducing income inequality. However, Belgium faces fiscal challenges in ensuring long-term sustainability of public finances due to required debt reductions.
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: New ZealandOECD Governance
Country fact sheet showing indicators on strategic governance, women in government, public finance & economics, public procurement, budget practices & procedures, open and inclusive government, public employment & pay, and serving citizens.
More information is available from the OECD publication Government at a Glance 2013.
http://www.oecd.org/gov/govataglance.htm
Government at a Glance 2013, Country Fact Sheet: KoreaOECD Governance
Country fact sheet showing indicators on strategic governance, women in government, public finance & economics, public procurement, budget practices & procedures, open and inclusive government, public employment & pay, and serving citizens.
More information is available from the OECD publication Government at a Glance 2013.
http://www.oecd.org/gov/govataglance.htm
The document is a report from the OECD titled "Health at a Glance 2015" that provides data on key health indicators across OECD countries. It includes sections on health status, risk factors, health workforce, health spending, and quality of care. Some of the key findings summarized are: average life expectancy has increased over 10 years to over 80 years across OECD countries; obesity and smoking rates have also risen but are declining in some countries; healthcare spending has grown but pharmaceutical spending has been cut in many countries through increased generic drug use; and countries vary in terms of physician and nurse pay and the proportion that are foreign-trained.
The document discusses a 2014 vote in Missouri on Amendment 1, known as the "Right to Farm" bill. Using census and subsidy data, the author hypothesizes that counties with higher in-migration, lower education levels, more people employed in agriculture, and higher subsidy amounts would be more likely to vote yes on the bill. The bill passed with 51% of votes. The author presents descriptive statistics showing variation across counties in demographic and economic factors that may have influenced voting outcomes. Subsidies for corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton and rice were the highest, with corn receiving the most at over $2.85 million for Missouri in 2013.
The Opioid Epidemic: An Important Auditor UpdatePYA, P.C.
PYA Tampa Office Managing Principal Angie Caldwell and Consulting Senior Manager Sarah Bowman addressed “The Opioid Epidemic: An Important Auditor Update” in their presentation. They:
Provided an overview of the scope of the opioid crisis, emerging trends in opioid abuse, and recent regulatory activity.
Analyzed key internal control risk areas to prevent drug diversion.
Reviewed specific examples of monitoring for fraud and abuse related to the opioid epidemic.
Health spending is likely to continue growing faster than economic growth, putting pressure on public budgets. While accommodating greater health spending may be acceptable, opportunities exist to increase productivity in health systems. In the long run, the correlation between health spending and GDP may need to be weakened to ensure fiscal sustainability, through policies like improving efficiency, shifting focus to prevention, and better defining public coverage.
The document is a report from the OECD and European Commission titled "Health at a Glance: Europe 2014" that was released in December 2014. It provides data and analysis on health status, risk factors, health care resources, quality of care, access to care, and health expenditure in European countries. The report finds that while life expectancy has increased across Europe, gaps remain between countries and education levels. It also examines trends in diseases, health risks, health workforce and capacity, treatment outcomes, financial barriers to care, and spending on health systems.
This document summarizes a presentation given by Willem Adema on gender equality trends in Asia and the Pacific. It finds that while educational attainment for women has increased and gender gaps in areas like wages have declined, disparities still persist in areas like leadership positions, unpaid work, and entrepreneurship. Encouraging greater female labor force participation and addressing issues like work-life balance and stereotypes are seen as important to mitigate challenges from trends like population aging facing some countries in the region.
This document summarizes key findings from the OECD report "Health at a Glance 2015: How Japan Compares?". It finds that:
1) Quality of care in Japan is generally good, though there is room to improve diabetes care and reduce unnecessary hospital admissions. Mortality for heart attacks after admission is also high.
2) Japan has fewer doctors per capita than most OECD countries, though nurse supply is high. There are opportunities to better utilize nurses and improve efficiency.
3) Healthcare spending in Japan has risen faster than most OECD countries in recent years and is now higher than the OECD average as a share of GDP. Achieving greater value for money through efficiency gains is a priority
The document examines how promoting greater diversity in protein choices in the UK could lead to more sustainable diets and better health outcomes by 2030. It finds that diversifying protein sources through options like plant-based proteins, seafood, and meat alternatives would generally have positive sustainability impacts compared to current high meat consumption levels. The report provides a framework to quantitatively assess the social, economic and environmental impacts of different protein sources. It finds that with some exceptions, greater protein diversity would align well with health, affordability, environmental and social goals for a sustainable diet in the UK.
This review paper examines evidence on dietary and other factors that influence weight gain and obesity at the population level. It finds convincing evidence that regular physical activity and high fiber intake protect against obesity, while sedentary lifestyles and consumption of calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods increase obesity risk. It recommends a range of strategies to address obesity, including making healthy foods more available, limiting marketing of unhealthy foods to children, promoting active transportation, and improving health services and messaging around nutrition and physical activity. Comprehensive programs are needed to reverse obesity epidemic trends affecting both rich and poor countries.
Lifestyle factors such as diet, obesity, smoking, and lack of exercise have a significant effect on health. Poor diet and lack of exercise are the main causes of rising obesity levels in the UK, where over half of adults are overweight. Obesity rates are higher among lower social classes and have increased health costs. Improving diet and increasing exercise levels are important for addressing health inequalities.
Obesity- Tipping Back the Scales of the Nation 19th April, 2017mckenln
Dr. Charlotte Evans presented on curbing sugar consumption in the UK. She reviewed evidence that high intakes of free sugars, especially from sugar-sweetened beverages, promote weight gain and type 2 diabetes. New UK recommendations suggest limiting free sugars to 5% of total energy intake, compared to current intakes that are over twice that level. Effective policy approaches to reduce sugar intake include taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, restrictions on food marketing to children, and product reformulation by the food industry to lower sugar and portion sizes.
Erik Millstone on Epidemics Of ObesitySTEPS Centre
Erik Millstone - Epidemics of Obesity: narratives of 'blame and 'blame' avoidance. Presentation given at STEPS Centre Epidemics workshop December 8-9 2008
“Health implications of sugar and need for appropriate policy perspectives” by Nayanjeet Chaudhury.
- Paper presented at • Thirteenth International seminar on “Prevention of non-communicable diseases”, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation with University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA, and Florida International University (FIU), USA, 23-25 Jan, 2015, Chennai
A review on potential toxicity of artificial sweetners vs safety of steviaAlexander Decker
This document reviews and compares the potential toxicity of artificial sweeteners versus the safety of stevia, a natural sweetener. It discusses several artificial sweeteners like aspartame, acesulfame-K, cyclamate, and neotame and health issues linked to their consumption such as headaches, cancer, and weight gain. It also covers the natural sweetener stevia and notes it is considered safe with no negative health effects. The objective is to provide information on the effects of consuming artificial versus natural sweeteners to help readers make informed choices about sweetener use.
This document discusses carbohydrates and their role in a healthy diet. It begins by outlining the different classifications of carbohydrates based on their molecular structure and digestibility. Next, it examines the glycemic response caused by different types of carbohydrates like monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. The document then addresses the conflicting information about carbohydrates from reduced-carb diets versus government dietary guidelines. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of carbohydrates, especially fiber-rich whole grains and plants, as part of a balanced diet according to public health recommendations. As frontline healthcare providers, nurses are well-positioned to advise patients and clear up confusion about carbohydrates using evidence-based information
This document discusses a study examining the link between diet, development level, and rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes globally. The authors hypothesize that countries with higher intakes of sugars, alcohol and less fruits/vegetables will have higher rates of these diseases, while higher protein intake and healthcare spending will reduce rates. They also expect more developed and Asian countries to be at higher risk. Dietary data from 2006 will be analyzed against disease death rates from 2008 to test these relationships using regression analysis.
Every living being either human or animal needs food for survival. It is very essential for
all to have proper diet, as it helps in growth of an individual. Thus, food can be defined as any
substance, may be plant origin or animal origin that is consumed by all to satisfy the nutritional
needs of the body. There are many types of food, which are a good source of different essential
nutrients such as fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, proteins, minerals, etc. It is consumed by all to
gain energy so that they can grow and maintain the life. Further, it also helps in repairing the
wounds of the body. Energy and nutrition contents of the food depend on the kind of food one
consumes, thus, efficiency of the body depends on the type of food consumed by a living being.
This present research study will focus on the importance of food in one’s life. It will assess why
it is must for a living being to intake different kind of food items. Moreover, it will also highlight
how mal-nutritious diet can affect the health and will draw light on the consequences of poor
diet. The last section of the report will conclude the topic.
A Paper on Problems Generated By Junk Food in Indiaijceronline
India “The Land of Rich Heritage and Culture” with its vast food variety is now at the verge of declining its food habits. Moreover, the food which is common among youth is “JUNK FOOD”. Junk food is a pejorative term for food containing high levels of calories, salts and fats with little protein, vitamins or minerals. They have a significant impact on student’s diet and weight as many students consume more than half of their daily calories as junk food in canteens of schools and colleges. According to WHO (World Health Organization) reports, in India, more than 3% of the population is in the obese category. Obesity is an emerging major public health problem throughout the world among adolescents. Excess consumption of junk food leads to the wide variety of health disorders like obesity, food poisoning, dental diseases and many more included angina pectoris, stroke, depression, diabetes, asthma etc. all of which sometimes contribute to premature death of an individual. This paper is concern about the obesity crisis in India which can be reduced by developing more and more educated society, implementing strong nutritional standards in schools and colleges, decreasing the advertising rates of junk food and some changes in the government tax policy. All these points are used as an instrument to discourage consumption of unhealthy foods such as sodas and junk food. This paper uses a basic method of optimization techniques i.e. simplex method to optimize or minimize the consumption of junk food in schools and colleges
This document discusses obesity in children in New Zealand and programs aimed at reducing it. It finds that nearly one third of New Zealand children are overweight or obese. Several national initiatives and programs try to address this issue by promoting healthy eating, physical activity, and raising awareness of obesity risks. The document examines how the Treaty of Waitangi supports reducing health inequalities and ensuring all children have access to obesity prevention resources.
The documents discuss the relationship between dietary glycemic index (GI) and obesity. High-GI foods are rapidly digested and absorbed, causing sudden rises in blood glucose and insulin levels. One study found that obese teenagers consumed 53% more calories after a high-GI breakfast compared to a low-GI breakfast. High-GI diets in animals have been shown to increase fat deposition and cause greater weight gain over time compared to low-GI diets. However, long-term clinical trials are still needed to fully examine the effects of GI on human body weight regulation.
The document discusses obesity in America, providing statistics showing that obesity rates have significantly increased over the past 30 years. It defines obesity as having a body mass index of 30 or higher. The rise in obesity is due to changing environmental factors like increased availability of high-fat, high-sugar foods and a more sedentary lifestyle with less physical activity. While public health campaigns have aimed to address obesity, eating habits have not changed and obesity rates remain high.
Running Head Obesity, Healthy Diet and Health .docxtodd581
Running Head: Obesity, Healthy Diet and Health 1
Obesity, Healthy Diet and Health 19
Obesity, Healthy Diet and Health
PUH 6301 Public Health Research
Abstract
Having a good nutrition habit, healthy body weight, and physical activities are essential aspects of good health and wellness. The combination of all three factors is critical in reducing the chances of getting severe health complications such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, cancer, stroke, and heart complications. Managing a good health condition also relies on how one adhere to regular physical exercises, a well-maintained body weight, and a healthy diet. However, according to (Healthy People 2020), most Americans don't check their menu and are lazy in taking apart in physical activities to the required levels as a way of maintaining proper health.
According to CDCP (2013), fruit consumption among adults is 1.1 times in a day, and the use of vegetables on a daily scale is 1.6, with adolescents recording the lowest use of both fruits and vegetables. The statistic shows that the average daily consumption of both fruits and vegetables among Americans doesn't meet the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables. About 81.6% and 81.8% of American adults and adolescents respectively don't take part in physical activities on a recommended daily scale. These behaviors are among the leading factors that contribute to the rising cases of Obesity. Approximately 1 out of 3 US adults, which represents 34 % and 1 out of 6 adolescents and children, which is 16.2 %, are obese.
Obesity-related complications include stroke, heart disease, and type two diabetes. The current in death cases is as a result of the obesity-related complications. Besides the death cases, obesity-related diseases cots this country millions of money annually, making it one of the most significant burdens that this country is struggling with regards to the health care system.
Introduction
Maintaining a healthy diet is an essential factor that determines how healthy our bodies become. We must retain less sugar, salt, and fats diet daily. Cases associated with obesity are not causing deaths but also taking so much of this country's financial resources. Every year both the federal, state, and county governments invest million into the health sector as a way of improving the infrastructures required to deal with obesity-related complications. Any healthy combines a variety of foods such as cereals, legumes, proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Research shows that obesity is gradually grown into a global crisis with WHO initiating campaigns aimed at establishing the importance of maintaining a healthy diet (Abidin, 2014).
The love for foods prepared away from homes is another challenging factor in dealing with obesity complications. Fast foods contain .
Running Head Obesity, Healthy Diet and Health .docxglendar3
Running Head: Obesity, Healthy Diet and Health 1
Obesity, Healthy Diet and Health 19
Obesity, Healthy Diet and Health
PUH 6301 Public Health Research
Abstract
Having a good nutrition habit, healthy body weight, and physical activities are essential aspects of good health and wellness. The combination of all three factors is critical in reducing the chances of getting severe health complications such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, cancer, stroke, and heart complications. Managing a good health condition also relies on how one adhere to regular physical exercises, a well-maintained body weight, and a healthy diet. However, according to (Healthy People 2020), most Americans don't check their menu and are lazy in taking apart in physical activities to the required levels as a way of maintaining proper health.
According to CDCP (2013), fruit consumption among adults is 1.1 times in a day, and the use of vegetables on a daily scale is 1.6, with adolescents recording the lowest use of both fruits and vegetables. The statistic shows that the average daily consumption of both fruits and vegetables among Americans doesn't meet the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables. About 81.6% and 81.8% of American adults and adolescents respectively don't take part in physical activities on a recommended daily scale. These behaviors are among the leading factors that contribute to the rising cases of Obesity. Approximately 1 out of 3 US adults, which represents 34 % and 1 out of 6 adolescents and children, which is 16.2 %, are obese.
Obesity-related complications include stroke, heart disease, and type two diabetes. The current in death cases is as a result of the obesity-related complications. Besides the death cases, obesity-related diseases cots this country millions of money annually, making it one of the most significant burdens that this country is struggling with regards to the health care system.
Introduction
Maintaining a healthy diet is an essential factor that determines how healthy our bodies become. We must retain less sugar, salt, and fats diet daily. Cases associated with obesity are not causing deaths but also taking so much of this country's financial resources. Every year both the federal, state, and county governments invest million into the health sector as a way of improving the infrastructures required to deal with obesity-related complications. Any healthy combines a variety of foods such as cereals, legumes, proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Research shows that obesity is gradually grown into a global crisis with WHO initiating campaigns aimed at establishing the importance of maintaining a healthy diet (Abidin, 2014).
The love for foods prepared away from homes is another challenging factor in dealing with obesity complications. Fast foods contain .
Running Head Obesity, Healthy Diet and Health .docxjeanettehully
Running Head: Obesity, Healthy Diet and Health 1
Obesity, Healthy Diet and Health 19
Obesity, Healthy Diet and Health
PUH 6301 Public Health Research
Abstract
Having a good nutrition habit, healthy body weight, and physical activities are essential aspects of good health and wellness. The combination of all three factors is critical in reducing the chances of getting severe health complications such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, cancer, stroke, and heart complications. Managing a good health condition also relies on how one adhere to regular physical exercises, a well-maintained body weight, and a healthy diet. However, according to (Healthy People 2020), most Americans don't check their menu and are lazy in taking apart in physical activities to the required levels as a way of maintaining proper health.
According to CDCP (2013), fruit consumption among adults is 1.1 times in a day, and the use of vegetables on a daily scale is 1.6, with adolescents recording the lowest use of both fruits and vegetables. The statistic shows that the average daily consumption of both fruits and vegetables among Americans doesn't meet the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables. About 81.6% and 81.8% of American adults and adolescents respectively don't take part in physical activities on a recommended daily scale. These behaviors are among the leading factors that contribute to the rising cases of Obesity. Approximately 1 out of 3 US adults, which represents 34 % and 1 out of 6 adolescents and children, which is 16.2 %, are obese.
Obesity-related complications include stroke, heart disease, and type two diabetes. The current in death cases is as a result of the obesity-related complications. Besides the death cases, obesity-related diseases cots this country millions of money annually, making it one of the most significant burdens that this country is struggling with regards to the health care system.
Introduction
Maintaining a healthy diet is an essential factor that determines how healthy our bodies become. We must retain less sugar, salt, and fats diet daily. Cases associated with obesity are not causing deaths but also taking so much of this country's financial resources. Every year both the federal, state, and county governments invest million into the health sector as a way of improving the infrastructures required to deal with obesity-related complications. Any healthy combines a variety of foods such as cereals, legumes, proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Research shows that obesity is gradually grown into a global crisis with WHO initiating campaigns aimed at establishing the importance of maintaining a healthy diet (Abidin, 2014).
The love for foods prepared away from homes is another challenging factor in dealing with obesity complications. Fast foods contain ...
In recognition of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, I developed and facilitated a community-based "Lunch and Learn" session. I provide background information, statistics and informational resources pertaining to the obesity epidemic. Additionally, I provided nutrition and fitness related strategies to foster a healthy lifestyle.
Similar to The Australian Paradox: A Substantial Decline in Sugars Intake over the Same Timeframe that Overweight and Obesity Have Increased (20)
UN WOD 2024 will take us on a journey of discovery through the ocean's vastness, tapping into the wisdom and expertise of global policy-makers, scientists, managers, thought leaders, and artists to awaken new depths of understanding, compassion, collaboration and commitment for the ocean and all it sustains. The program will expand our perspectives and appreciation for our blue planet, build new foundations for our relationship to the ocean, and ignite a wave of action toward necessary change.
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
Contributi dei parlamentari del PD - Contributi L. 3/2019Partito democratico
DI SEGUITO SONO PUBBLICATI, AI SENSI DELL'ART. 11 DELLA LEGGE N. 3/2019, GLI IMPORTI RICEVUTI DALL'ENTRATA IN VIGORE DELLA SUDDETTA NORMA (31/01/2019) E FINO AL MESE SOLARE ANTECEDENTE QUELLO DELLA PUBBLICAZIONE SUL PRESENTE SITO
Food safety, prepare for the unexpected - So what can be done in order to be ready to address food safety, food Consumers, food producers and manufacturers, food transporters, food businesses, food retailers can ...
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
The Antyodaya Saral Haryana Portal is a pioneering initiative by the Government of Haryana aimed at providing citizens with seamless access to a wide range of government services
Indira awas yojana housing scheme renamed as PMAYnarinav14
Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) played a significant role in addressing rural housing needs in India. It emerged as a comprehensive program for affordable housing solutions in rural areas, predating the government’s broader focus on mass housing initiatives.
A Guide to AI for Smarter Nonprofits - Dr. Cori Faklaris, UNC CharlotteCori Faklaris
Working with data is a challenge for many organizations. Nonprofits in particular may need to collect and analyze sensitive, incomplete, and/or biased historical data about people. In this talk, Dr. Cori Faklaris of UNC Charlotte provides an overview of current AI capabilities and weaknesses to consider when integrating current AI technologies into the data workflow. The talk is organized around three takeaways: (1) For better or sometimes worse, AI provides you with “infinite interns.” (2) Give people permission & guardrails to learn what works with these “interns” and what doesn’t. (3) Create a roadmap for adding in more AI to assist nonprofit work, along with strategies for bias mitigation.
RFP for Reno's Community Assistance CenterThis Is Reno
Property appraisals completed in May for downtown Reno’s Community Assistance and Triage Centers (CAC) reveal that repairing the buildings to bring them back into service would cost an estimated $10.1 million—nearly four times the amount previously reported by city staff.
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
The Australian Paradox: A Substantial Decline in Sugars Intake over the Same Timeframe that Overweight and Obesity Have Increased
1. Nutrients 2011, 3, 491-504; doi:10.3390/nu3040491
nutrients
ISSN 2072-6643
www.mdpi.com/journal/nutrients
Article
The Australian Paradox: A Substantial Decline in Sugars
Intake over the Same Timeframe that Overweight and Obesity
Have Increased
Alan W. Barclay 1
and Jennie Brand-Miller 2,
*
1
Australian Diabetes Council, 26 Arundel Street, Glebe, NSW 2037, Australia;
E-Mail: awbarclay@optusnet.com.au
2
School of Molecular Bioscience and Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition and Exercise,
University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: j.brandmiller@mmb.usyd.edu.au;
Tel.: +61-2-9351-3759; Fax: +61-2-9351-6022.
Received: 4 March 2011; in revised form: 14 April 2011 / Accepted: 19 April 2011 /
Published: 20 April 2011
Abstract: Ecological research from the USA has demonstrated a positive relationship
between sugars consumption and prevalence of obesity; however, the relationship in other
nations is not well described. The aim of this study was to analyze the trends in obesity and
sugar consumption in Australia over the past 30 years and to compare and contrast obesity
trends and sugar consumption patterns in Australia with the UK and USA. Data on
consumption of sugar in Australia, the UK and USA were obtained from the Food and
Agriculture Organization for the years 1980–2003. The prevalence of obesity has increased
3 fold in Australians since 1980. In Australia, the UK and USA, per capita consumption of
refined sucrose decreased by 23%, 10% and 20% respectively from 1980 to 2003. When all
sources of nutritive sweeteners, including high fructose corn syrups, were considered, per
capita consumption decreased in Australia (−16%) and the UK (−5%), but increased in the
USA (+23%). In Australia, there was a reduction in sales of nutritively sweetened
beverages by 64 million liters from 2002 to 2006 and a reduction in percentage of children
consuming sugar-sweetened beverages between 1995 and 2007. The findings confirm an
―Australian Paradox‖—a substantial decline in refined sugars intake over the same
timeframe that obesity has increased. The implication is that efforts to reduce sugar intake
may reduce consumption but may not reduce the prevalence of obesity.
OPEN ACCESS
2. Nutrients 2011, 3 492
Keywords: sugars; sucrose; obesity; epidemiology; Australia
1. Introduction
The prevalence of overweight/obesity continues to rise around the globe, in both developed and
developing nations. The World Health Organization estimates that there are currently more than
700 million overweight adults, and at least 300 million obese adults [1]. The health consequences of
overweight/obesity are well documented, and include increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer
(endometrial, breast, and colon), type 2 diabetes, respiratory problems and osteoarthritis [2]. The
economic costs of overweight/obesity are as equally grave as the health consequences, but not as well
described. However, in several developed countries, obesity has been estimated to account for 2–7% of
the total health care costs [3].
The most recent population health surveys in Australia determined that in 2007–2008, 62% of
Australia’s 15 million adults [4] and 23% of Australia’s 5 million children [5] were either overweight
or obese. The direct financial cost of obesity was estimated to be AUD$8.283 billion in Australia in
2008. In addition to this, the cost of lost wellbeing due to obesity was valued at AUD$49.9 billion,
bringing the total cost of obesity in Australia in 2008 to AUD$58.2 billion [6].
While the cause of this pandemic of overweight/obesity is complex, multi-factorial, and likely to
vary from region-to-region, researchers continue to look for common environmental factors to help
explain the phenomenon. Increasing consumption of sugars [7], and in particular sugar-sweetened
beverages [8], has been identified as a plausible etiological factor in the United States. Little is known
about the relationship between sugars consumption and obesity in other nations, however.
The aim of this study was to examine in detail trends in obesity in Australia, and to analyze
concurrent trends in sugars and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption, and to compare these to those
in the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA).
2. Methods
2.1. Literature Search
A systematic literature review was undertaken to obtain sources of Australian sugar intake data.
Key words used in the search included: sugars, sucrose, dietary carbohydrate, consumption, intake,
sugar-sweetened beverages, sweeteners, refined sugar, obesity, adiposity, body weight, body mass
index (BMI) with Australia. The term ―blood glucose‖ was excluded in the search strategy. The
databases searched were MEDLINE, Cinahl, Embase and the Cochrane library. Full papers were
retrieved if they included a healthy population as the sub-group and were relevant in the Australian
context and published within the last 30 years (since 1980).
In addition to the peer-reviewed literature, publications and data issued by government, academia
and industry were also explored. The websites of the World Health Organization (WHO) [9], Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations [9], Australian Bureau of Statistics [10],
Australian Food and Grocery Council [11], Australian Retailers Association [12], Commonwealth
3. Nutrients 2011, 3 493
Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) [13] and the Australian Government [14]
were searched for relevant information. The Australian food industry including the Australian
Beverage Council (Ltd.) [15], CSR (Ltd.) [16], Coles [17] and Woolworths [18] supermarkets were
also contacted for relevant data.
For this analysis, water based beverages were categorized as nutritively sweetened or
non-nutritively sweetened. Nutritively sweetened beverages included all sugar-sweetened (cane or fruit
sugar) beverages such as soft drinks, sports drinks, iced tea drinks and flavored waters, but
Non-nutritively sweetened beverages were defined as plain still/mineral waters or beverages sweetened
with non-nutritive sweeteners.
2.2. Prevalence of Obesity
Obesity statistics describing the percentage of obesity in the study population using BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2
in adults and a BMI greater than or equal to the 95th percentile, using age and sex dependent reference
values in children, were obtained.
Annual trends in obesity prevalence were obtained for Australia, the UK and the USA from a
variety of sources. In Australia, data were sourced from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Risk Factor Data [18] store which was based on an analysis of the 1980, 1983 and 1989 Risk Factor
Prevalence Surveys [19]; the 1995 National Nutrition Survey [20]; the 1999–2000 Australian Diabetes,
Obesity and Lifestyle study [21]; the Australian Bureau of Statistics National Health Survey’s of
2004–2005 [22] and 2007–2008 [4] and the 2007 Australian National Children’s Nutrition and
Physical Activity Survey [5]. In the UK, data were obtained from the Health Survey for England 2007
Latest Trends [23] and for the USA, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data
(NHANES) [24].
2.3. Sugars Consumption
Data on annual apparent consumption of sugar were obtained for Australia, the UK and the USA
from the FAO [25]. Average population sugar, sugary foods and beverages intake estimates were
obtained from the 2007 Australian National Children’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey [5,26]
and food and nutrient intakes from the 1983, 1985 and 1995 National Nutrition Surveys [19].
Australian Bureau of Statistics population estimates [27] were used to obtain data for total per capita
beverage sales.
Dr. Gina Levy [28] provided supplementary water-based beverage volume sales data for the years
2005 and 2006. The Australian Beverage Council Ltd. [15] representing major water-based beverage
companies such as Coca-Cola Amatil Australia, Pepsico Australia, Cadbury Schweppes Australia and
Unilever Australasia, provided volume sales data for the 10 year period from 1994 to 2004. This sales
data was formerly from AC Nielsen Scan Track Data [29].
4. Nutrients 2011, 3 494
3. Results
3.1. Obesity Prevalence
Obesity rates increased in Australia [18], the UK [23] and the USA [24], for adults, adolescents and
children (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Prevalence of obesity (%) in (A) Australian adults, (B) Australian children,
(C) adults in the United Kingdom, (D) children in the United Kingdom and (E) American
adults (F) and children [18,23,24].
Adults Children
(A) (B)
(C) (D)
(E) (F)
3.2. Apparent Consumption of Sugar
Figure 2 shows the refined and added sugars consumption (kg/capita/year) for Australia, the UK
and the USA from 1980 to 2003 [25]. Over the period 1980–2003 in Australia, consumption of total
nutritive sweeteners fell 16% (9 kg, or 25 g per day), refined sucrose consumption dropped 23%
(11 kg) and consumption of other sweeteners (glucose, dextrose, fructose, lactose, isoglucose, maltose,
maple sugar or similar) increased from a small baseline to 3 kg per capita (8 g per day). Over this same
5. Nutrients 2011, 3 495
period in the UK, consumption of total nutritive sweeteners fell 5% (2 kg, or 6 g per day),
refined sucrose consumption dropped 10% (4 kg) and consumption of other sweeteners increased to
1 kg per capita from zero consumption in 1980. In the USA, from 1980 to 2003, consumption of total
nutritive sweeteners increased 23% (13 kg = 37 g per day), refined sucrose consumption dropped 20%
(7 kg) while consumption of other sweeteners (primarily high fructose corn syrups in the USA)
increased 138% (22 kg). In all three countries, the consumption of refined sucrose showed a downward
trend [25].
Figure 2. Intake of added sugars (kg/capita/year) in (A) Australia, (B) the United Kingdom
and (C) the United States of America [25].
(A) (B)
(C)
Figure 3 shows an historical comparison of the 24 h sugars intakes from various sources for
Australian adults in 1983 and 1995 (most recent data available) [19]. For men, intake of total sugars
(added and naturally occurring sugars in fruit, fruit juices, etc.) increased by 12% to 129 g from 1983
to 1995. For women, intake of total sugars increased by 6% to 94 g over this period. With regard to
confectionery mean 24 h intake increased from 7 g to 9 g for both men and women from 1983 to 1995.
Although the intake of confectionery showed an upward trend, absolute intake was small (<10 g) in
comparison with the other sources. Intake of sugary products (e.g., cakes, cookies) decreased from
28 g to 22 g and 18 g to 15 g for both men and women respectively. For men, intake of all
non-alcoholic beverages (including fruit and vegetable juices, cordials, tea and coffee, mineral waters,
electrolyte drinks, sugar and non-nutritively sweetened soft drinks) increased by 15% to 1274 g from
1983 to 1995. For women, intake of all non-alcoholic beverages (including non-nutritively sweetened
varieties) increased by 9% to 1159 g over the same time period.
6. Nutrients 2011, 3 496
Figure 3. 24 h mean intake (g) of total sugars, sugary products, confectionery and
non-alcoholic beverages * by Australian adults (25–64 years) in 1983 and 1995 [19].
* Including coffee, tea and low joule soft drinks.
Figure 4 shows a comparison of the 24 h mean sugars intakes for children. For boys, intake of total
sugars (added and naturally occurring) increased from 142 g in 1985 to 174 g in 1995 [19], but then
declined to 154 g in 2007 [5]. Girls showed a similar pattern of intake of total sugars, with an increase
from 115 g in 1985 to 137 g in 1995, then a fall to 125 g in 2007. In boys, intake of confectionery
showed an increasing intake (16 g to 25 g to 28 g) for the years 1985, 1995 and 2007 respectively.
Girls showed a similar increasing intake (15 g to 21 g to 24 g) across 1985, 1995 and 2007.
In boys, the intake of sugary products increased from 17 g in 1985 to 27 g in 1995 but decreased to
20 g in 2007. Girls’ intake increased from 11 g in 1985 to 26 g in 1995 but decreased to 20 g in 2007.
For boys, intake of non-alcoholic beverages (including fruit and vegetable juices, cordials, tea and
coffee, mineral waters, electrolyte drinks, sugar and non-nutritively sweetened soft drinks) increased
from 490 g to 724 g to 1555 g across 1985, 1995 and 2007. For girls, intake of non-alcoholic
beverages (non-nutritively sweetened varieties) increased from 459 g to 592 g to 1342 g across 1985,
1995 and 2007.
7. Nutrients 2011, 3 497
Figure 4. 24 h mean intake (g) of total sugars, sugary products, confectionery and
non-alcoholic beverages * by Australian children in 1985, 1995 and 2007 [5,19]. Note: the
age categories used for comparison where 10–15 year old children in years 1985 and 1995,
the 2007 figure is an average between intakes of 9–13 year and 14–16 year categories.
* Including coffee, tea and low joule soft drinks.
3.3. Nutritively Sweetened Beverage Consumption from Sales Data
Figure 5 shows the time trend in sales of nutritively sweetened and non-nutritively sweetened
beverages in Australian grocery stores, expressed as total volume per capita [15,28–30]. Nutritively
sweetened beverages made up the largest share of total water-based beverage sales, but during
the period 2002–2006 there was a downward trend, with an absolute reduction in sales of
nutritively sweetened beverages by 64 million liters. For nutritively sweetened beverages, sales were
96 mL/day/person in 1994, increasing to 129 mL/day/person in 2004, then decreasing to
125 mL/day/person in 2006. The sales of non-nutritively sweetened (diet/low-joule) beverages
increased by 34% from 1997 to 2006 [30]. Per capita, non-nutritively sweetened beverages sales
doubled from 41 mL/day/person in 1994 to 82 mL/day/person in 2006 [15,28].
8. Nutrients 2011, 3 498
Figure 5. Time trends in sales of nutritively sweetened beverages and non-nutritively
sweetened beverages in grocery stores, expressed as (A) per capita volume sold in liters
and as (B) a percentage of total volume sold [15,28–30].
(A)
(B)
Figure 6 shows the annual change in the contribution of sugar from nutritively sweetened
carbonated soft drinks (sugar-sweetened soft drinks) to the Australian food supply [30].
Levy and Tapsell [30] reported a concurrent increase in sugar from other nutritively sweetened
beverages (e.g., sports drinks, flavored waters and iced teas). However, the increase in sugar
contribution to the food supply from these beverages did not contribute enough volume to match the
decline in nutritively sweetened carbonated soft drinks. Overall, there was a decrease in sugar
contribution from nutritively sweetened carbonated soft drinks to the Australian food supply,
amounting to 12,402 tons (~600 g per person per year, Figure 6) from 2002 to 2006.
Figure 6. Annual change in contribution of nutritively-sweetened carbonated soft drinks to
total added sugar in the Australian food supply [30].
9. Nutrients 2011, 3 499
3.4. Consumption of Soft Drinks, Flavored Waters, Electrolyte Drinks and Fruit Juice by Children
Overall, the percentage of children who consumed soft drinks, flavored waters and electrolyte
drinks (both sugar and non-nutritively sweetened) declined from the 1995 NNS to the 2007 Australian
National Children’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey [5,26] (Figure 7A). Among consumers,
mean and median intakes of soft drinks, flavored waters and electrolyte drinks also decreased
(Figure 7B). In the 16–18 year age group, mean intake fell by 33% to 278 g. In the 12–15 year age
group, mean intake fell by 6% to 247 g in 2007. In the 8–11 year age group mean intake fell by 10%.
In the 4–7 year age group mean intake fell by 45%. For the 2–3 year age group, mean intake fell by
55% to 26 g in 2007.
Figure 7. (A) Percent consuming, (B) mean intakes and (C) median intakes of soft drinks,
flavored waters and electrolyte drinks by children in 1995 and 2007, and (D) percentage of
energy supplied by fruit juice in the diets of children [5,26].
(A) (B)
(C) (D)
Similarly, median intake (in grams) of soft drinks, flavored waters and electrolyte drinks decreased
across all age groups apart from the 8–11 year group which remained static at 391 g/day.
Fruit juice consumption is also of interest because, like soft drinks, they represent sugars in
an acidic solution. The percentage of energy supplied by fruit juice was small (of the order of
1–3% depending on age group) and changes between 1995 and 2007 were small.
4. Discussion
This analysis of apparent consumption, national dietary surveys and food industry data indicates a
consistent and substantial decline in total refined or added sugar consumption by Australians over the
past 30 years. In this respect, Australia may be unique, although FAO statistics suggest a modest
reduction in refined sugar intake has also occurred in the UK. These trends contrast with a sizeable
increase in the intake of total nutritive sweeteners in the USA, attributable to increased intake of high
10. Nutrients 2011, 3 500
fructose corn syrup. Notably, Australia is a major grower and exporter of sugar cane, and the majority
of nutritive sweetener use is in the form of refined sucrose [31].
Over the same timeframe, like other developed nations, Australia has experienced a 3-fold increase
in the prevalence of obesity among adults and children. Hence in this ecological analysis, trends in
refined sugar consumption are inversely related to incremental weight gain in the population as a whole.
These findings support the supposition that once total energy intake has been accounted for,
per capita changes in energy from sweeteners do not explain changes in the incidence of obesity [32].
Studies using individual dietary intakes have also reported inverse associations between sugar intake
and body weight [33,34]. In Australia, two independent analyses of the most recent National Nutrition
Survey reported no significant associations between intakes of sugars and health status, including body
fatness, BMI and blood pressure [35,36]. Finally, while Australia already has some of the highest rates
of overweight/obesity in the world [4,5], we are unable to rule out the possibility that rates may have
be higher if consumption of sugars had not decreased over the past few decades.
Our findings suggest that Australians have taken seriously public health recommendations to
decrease sugars, particularly sugar-sweetened beverages. Food industry data indicate that per capita
sales of low calorie (non-nutritively sweetened) beverages doubled from 1994 to 2006 while
nutritively sweetened beverages decreased by 10%. At present, one in three soft drinks sold in
Australia are non-nutritive [15,28–30]. Indeed, Australians have willingly adopted many other public
health recommendations, including universal wearing of seat belts (the ―click clack, front and back‖
campaign) and sunscreens (the ―slip, slop, slap‖ campaign).
Evidence for an association between sugars consumption and weight gain from clinical trials and
epidemiological studies has been inconclusive. There have been four systematic reviews that have
included evidence from a large range of clinical trials, cohort studies and cross-sectional analyses, that
have investigated the role of sugar sweetened beverages in the development of obesity in humans
aged 1–99 years [8,37–39]. Of these, only one [8] supported an independent role for sugar sweetened
beverages in the etiology of overweight/obesity. Similarly, there have been two systematic reviews
investigating the role of added sugars in the development of obesity in men and women [40,41]. When
sucrose, glucose, or starch was replaced with >100 g of fructose/day, a weight gain of 0.44 kg/week
was observed in adults [40], whereas there were inconsistent associations when sugars were replaced
with non-nutritive sweeteners, starch and fat [41]. Larger, well designed clinical trials are needed to
further investigate this relationship.
A limitation common to all ecological studies is that relationships observed for groups do not
necessarily hold for individuals. In the national population surveys, the dietary methodologies
employed varied from food frequency questionnaires to 24 h recall of food intake. Recall data are only
a crude estimate of actual intake, especially in children where there is high day-to-day variability. For
adults, the most recent nationally representative food intake data are now 15 years old. Recall precision
accuracy, low response rates, reporting and classification errors were relatively common and may have
introduced confounding. Per capita consumption data are useful in determining upward or downward
trends over time and for filling gaps by describing current levels of sugar intake for the entire
population. Like all apparent consumption data, there are limitations in describing individual intake
due to losses that occur when foods are actually prepared and consumed (e.g., plate wastage). Indeed,
Baghurst and colleagues found that intake data from several population surveys indicated that the
11. Nutrients 2011, 3 501
mean level of consumption of refined sugars was not as high as was estimated from apparent
consumption [42]. Nonetheless, in the case of refined sugar, individuals may consciously or
unconsciously underestimate intake of a substance that is considered unhealthy. Because refined sugar
is a highly controlled commodity that is not grown for personal use, apparent consumption data are
perhaps the most objective way to assess trends over time. Per capita food consumption statistics from
FAO have compared favorably with energy and macronutrient intake estimated from population
surveys [32,43].
Finally, data generated by the food and beverage industry for its own purposes may not be entirely
reliable because there is no independent monitoring or peer review. However, industry makes financial
decisions based on consumer demand and buying patterns and there is no reason to believe that it does
not reflect the true state of affairs. Their data provide information on product usage that, combined
with direct intake data, provide useful insights into the food environment.
Our findings do not support the widely held belief that reducing the consumption of refined sugars,
and increasing the availability and preference for low-joule beverages, will help to reverse societal
trends in obesity. Most recently, the American Heart Association stated that ―added sugars are an
important factor in the obesity crisis‖ and set strict guidelines for added sugar intake [44]. Specifically
the guidelines recommend that Americans should eat or drink no more than 5 teaspoons (25 g) of
added sugar per day for most women and 9 teaspoons (45 g) per day for the majority of men.
Clearly, overconsumption of energy relative to needs must be addressed to halt the obesity
epidemic. However, a recent analysis of Australian children’s dietary intakes from 1995 to 2007
revealed a substantial decrease in sugar-sweetened beverage (halved as a percentage of energy)
consumption over the past decade, but increased consumption in the proportion of energy from
chocolate, cakes and cookies, pizza and packet chips [33]. Furthermore, the 2007 National Children’s
Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey showed that sugar and sugary beverages were not predominant
―extra‖ foods in the diets of Australian children. Therefore, the question of whether there is much to be
gained by focusing public health policy on the removal of sugar and sugar-sweetened beverages
remains. The concern is that potentially more important determinants of obesity are being overlooked
by the current emphasis on sugars and soft drinks.
Questioning the priority of public health messages is relevant. It is possible that less emphasis has
been given to disseminating the message of lowering total energy intake, while avoidance of particular
nutrients, such as sugars, has been the primary focus. In practice, many individuals over-consume
―fast‖ foods along with a diet drink. Interestingly, research by WHO found that the Australian energy
supply has increased almost exclusively as a result of an increase in intake of fat [32]. Likewise,
strategies aimed at reduction of added sugars consumption alone will not automatically improve
overall dietary quality [45]. Indeed, lower relative fat consumption was obvious in the high added
sugars consumers (the sugar fat seesaw), which would suggest that a reduction in added sugars might
lead to increased fat consumption. Logic tells us that an inappropriately high intake of any energy
source (alcohol, fat, protein, starch or sugar) will result in weight gain.
Indeed, a literal interpretation of our findings would suggest that reductions in sugar intake may
have contributed to the rise in obesity. Lowering the sugar content of foods may be counterproductive
for weight management if there is replacement of sugars with refined or high glycemic index starches,
saturated fats or alcohol.
12. Nutrients 2011, 3 502
5. Conclusions
The present analysis indicates the existence of an Australian Paradox, i.e., an inverse relationship
between secular trends in the prevalence of obesity prevalence (increasing by ~300%) and the
consumption of refined sugar over the same time frame (declining by ~20%). The findings challenge
the implicit assumption that taxes and other measures to reduce intake of soft drinks will be an
effective strategy in global efforts to reduce obesity.
Acknowledgements
This study was a Masters of Nutrition and Dietetic project conducted by Laura Owens and
co-supervised by AWB and JBM.
AWB is a co-author of one of the books in The New Glucose Revolution book series (Hodder and
Stoughton, London, UK; Marlowe and Co., New York, NY, USA; Hodder Headline, Sydney, Australia
and elsewhere): Diabetes and Pre-diabetes handbook, and is a consultant to a not-for-profit GI-based
food endorsement program in Australia.
JBM is a co-author of The New Glucose Revolution book series (Hodder and Stoughton, London,
UK; Marlowe and Co., New York, NY, USA; Hodder Headline, Sydney, Australia and elsewhere), the
Director of a not-for-profit GI-based food endorsement program in Australia and manages the
University of Sydney GI testing service.
References
1. World Health Organization. Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health; WHO:
Geneva, Switzerland, 2004.
2. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation,
and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults: The Evidence Report; NHLBI: Bethesda,
MD, USA, 1998.
3. World Health Organization. Consultation on Obesity; WHO: Geneva, Switzerland, 1999.
4. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 4364.0—National Health Survey: Summary of Results, 2007–2008;
ABS: Canberra, Australia, 2009.
5. Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Preventative Health
National Research Flagship, the University of South Australia. 2007 Australian National
Children’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey—Main Findings; CSIRO: Clayton South,
Australia, 2008.
6. Access Economics. The Growing Cost of Obesity in 2008: Three Years on; Diabetes Australia:
Canberra, Australia, 2010.
7. Gross, L.S.; Li, L.; Ford, E.S.; Liu, S. Increased consumption of refined carbohydrates and the
epidemic of type 2 diabetes in the United States: An ecologic assessment. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2004,
79, 774–779.
8. Malik, V.S.; Schulze, M.B.; Hu, F.B. Intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and weight gain: A
systematic review. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2006, 84, 274–288.
9. World Health Organization, United Nations, 2009. Available online: http://www.who.int/en/
(accessed on 1 September 2009).
13. Nutrients 2011, 3 503
10. Australian Bureau of Statistics, Commonwealth of Australia, 2009. Available online:
http://www.abs.gov.au/ (accessed on 1 September 2009).
11. Australian Food and Grocery Council, 2009. Available online: http://www.afgc.org.au/ (accessed
on 1 September 2009).
12. Australian Retailers Association, 2009. Available online: http://www.retail.org.au/ (accessed on
1 September 2009).
13. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Commonweath of Australia,
2009. Available online: http://www.csiro.au/ (accessed on 1 September 2009).
14. Australian Government, Commonweath of Australia, 2009. Available online: http://australia.gov.au/
(accessed on 1 September 2009).
15. Australian Beverages Council Ltd., 2009. Available online: http://www.australianbeverages.org/
home.html (accessed on 1 September 2009).
16. CSR Ltd., 2009. Available online: http://www.csr.com.au (accessed on 1 September 2009)
17. Wesfarmers Coles Supermarkets, 2009. Available online: http://www.coles.com.au/ (accessed on
1 September 2009).
18. Woolworths Ltd., 2009. Available online: http://www.woolworthslimited.com.au (accessed on
1 September 2009).
19. Cook, P.; Rutishauser, I.H.E.; Allsopp, R. The Bridging Study—Comparing Results from the 1983,
1985 and 1995 Australian National Nutrition Surveys; Commonwealth Department of Health and
Aged Care: Canberra, Australia, 2001.
20. McLennan, W.; Podger, A. National Nutrition Survey Nutrient Intakes and Physical
Measurements, Australia, 1995; Catalouge No. 4805.0; Australian Bureau of Statistics: Canberra,
Australia, 1998.
21. Cameron, A.J.; Welborn, T.A.; Zimmet, P.Z.; Dunstan, D.W.; Owen, N.; Salmon, J.; Dalton, M.;
Jolley, D.; Shaw, J.E. Overweight and obesity in Australia: The 1999–2000 Australian diabetes,
obesity and lifestyle study (AusDiab). Med. J. Aust. 2003, 178, 427–432.
22. Australian Bureau of Statistics. National Health Survey 2004–05; Commonwealth of Australia:
Canberra, Australia, 2006.
23. The Health and Social Care Information Centre, UK. Health Survey for England 2007, Latest
Trends, 2008. Available online: http://www.ic.nhs.uk/webfiles/publications/HSE07/Health%20
Survey%20for%20England%202007%20Latest%20Trends.pdf (accessed on 1 September 2009).
24. National Centre for Health Statistics. Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
(NHANES III) Public-Use Data Files, 2004. Available online: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/
elec_prods/subject/nhanes3.htm (accessed on 20 April 2006).
25. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Food consumption quantities, 2009.
Available online: http://faostat.fao.org/site/368/DesktopDefault.aspx?PageID=368#ancor (accessed
on 11 August 2009).
26. Cobiac, L.; Mortensen, A.; Baghurst, K. The Role of Beverages in the Diet of Australian Children;
Australian Beverages Council Ltd.: Rosebery, Australia, 2010.
27. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Census of population and housing, 2009. Available online:
http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/D3310114.nsf/Home/Census (accessed on 11 August 2009).