The Straits Times, Published on Apr 03, 2014
Where do we draw
the line?
I AGREE with Dr Edmund Lam's point that obesity increases the risk
of many diseases, which would take a heavy toll on our health-care
system ("Combat obesity with 'fat' tax"; Tuesday).
His suggestion to implement a "fat" or "sugar" tax is indeed a
creative way to deter individuals from buying fattening food, but
it seems rather impractical.
Overindulgence in any food, and not just fatty or sugary food, can
lead to obesity.
In fact, studies reveal that the consumption
of artificial sweeteners, and not just sugar, correlates with
higher risk of metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension
and coronary heart disease.
So, should we impose a tax on artificial sweeteners as
well? Not
to forget carbohydrates like bread, rice and pasta, which also
contribute heavily to obesity.
Where do we draw the line on what is and what isn't
taxable?
Perhaps we should not focus so much on restricting the availability
of food.
Instead, we should inculcate the importance of proper nutrition and
exercise in very young children via the school system, as well as
in their parents, so that children can grow up with the knowledge
and habits to make healthy food choices for the rest of their
lives.
Luke Ho Boon Choong (Dr)
Copyright © 2014 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights
reserved.
http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/...-line-20140403
