A health researcher says we should have a debate on taxing sugary drinks to help prevent childhood obesity. He says we should use the same strategies we are using to prevent tobacco smoking - such as taxation. As well, we should consider making changes to the environment.
Associate Professor Robert Scragg is leading a study into obesity prevention in six South Auckland schools. At the school with the highest obesity rates, about one-third of pupils bought their lunch outside school. A dairy across the road is linked to the school by a pedestrian crossing.
He was speaking at a diabetes congress in Wellington.
Read more: Dominion Post / Stuff, 9 April 2008
