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Seven out of 10 GPs back sugar tax

4th Nov 2015 - 09:12
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Seven out of 10 GPs back sugar tax
Abstract
Two thirds of GPs support the idea of implementing a ‘sugar tax’, according to a poll by Pulse magazine.

The poll, which surveyed 878 GPs, found that 67% supported the tax, whilst 25% opposed it.

Support is clearly growing in the GP community as last year the magazine undertook a similar poll, which found only 52% support the idea of implementing the sugar tax.

The poll follows research released by Public Health England which backed the sugar tax amongst a number of other measures to tackle the obesity crisis.

Dr Hema Gore, a GP in Blackburn, told Pulse: “Sugar is addictive, toxic and it predisposes people to metabolic dysfunction, causes fatty infiltration of liver, increases diabetes, obesity and tooth decay. A higher tax on sugar will definitely reduce these problems.”

However, some GPs felt education was a better method of curbing the crisis rather than a straightforward tax. Dr Steve Lumb, a GP partner in the Durham Dales, said: “Better education on diet via the media, schools, health visitors, etc along with better labelling of foods would make more sense. I also agree with banning advertising of certain foods and drinks.”

A spokesperson for David Cameron has previously said the Prime Minister is not in favour of a sugar tax, as he believes there are more effective ways to tackle the crisis.

Written by
PSC Team