Subversive Health

soda consumption going up Up UP

Robert Lustig, an endocrinologist, argues that sugar is both addictive and toxic. True, yet we love it. We love it enough to keep on drinking more soft drinks every year — now up to 170 liters per American per year. Statistics — such as they are indicate that around 10% of daily calories come from sweetened drinks. But 50 million American’s are getting 25% of their calories from sugar.

Mayor Blumberg limited the size of soft drinks in NYC. Other folks are saying TAX IT!

I was thinking of soda consumption a matter of Personal Responsibility. That would be sort of a variation on the Just Say No thinking. But in a recent video featuring Dr. Lustig the whole problem is presented as a Public Health Problem.

Hmm. The idea is that taxation might help folks change their habits. My 98 year old mother always said DRINK WATER. She is still saying it. The price might have to go pretty high make any difference. But the tax money could be used to explain to people just what sugar does that is so harmful.

The negative effects of obesity

The problem here is that the results are slow and long term — but the pleasure is immediate.

I was thinking that a photo like this one might get folks to take sugar/obesity seriously. But, then I realized that most folks would be proud that they didn’t look THAT bad.

What to do? Is it possible to take on COCA COLA? Then again, is it right to sit back and do nothing? So, I am at least saying something. I can only hope that others will say it too.

Tomorrow, I write our politicians. After all, we tax payers are going to end of paying for the trouble sugar causes. Why shouldn’t the drinkers pay as they go?