Some people argue that sugar-based drinks should be more expensive to discourage people from excessive sugar consumption. I strongly agree with this view, as high prices can reduce demand and support healthy lifestyles; however, this measure should be combined with other strategies.
One major reason to support high prices on sugary drinks is that cost directly influence people’s behaviour. When products become more expensive, people are less likely to purchase them regularly, especially items that are not essential. Moreover, this action proven effective in some countries. For instance, in Germany, the government increases prices and taxes of tobacco and alcohol, thereby resulting in less consumption. Increased prices of such juices may encourage individuals to switch to healthier alternatives, such as water and natural juices.
Additionally, another benefit of this approach is that it has potential improvement in public health. This is because excessive sugar intake is directly linked to numerous diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. For example, a survey conducted in Japan states that energy drinks, which contain excessive amount of sugar, is the major reason why individuals have suffered from obesity in recent years. In addition, by discouraging the consumption of sugar, governments can reduce the prevalence of potential illness and lower long-term financial costs. Therefore, they can invest more money in medical sectors and public health campaigns.
In conclusion, making sugary drinks more expensive is an effective step toward reducing sugar consumption and improving public health. However, it is important to acknowledge that this strategy alone may not be sufficient. Ultimately, it will be more beneficial if Governments combine with other solutions, such as public education initiatives and clear food labelling, to deal with such issue.