The influence of sugar-sweetened beverage warning labels on parents’ choices
Roberto et al. Pediatrics. 2016;137(2):e20153185.
Consumption of sugary drinks among children remains high, with two thirds of children aged 2 to 11 years old drinking them at least once a day. One untested strategy to reduce consumption is to place a warning label on sugary drink containers, soda fountains, or vending machines to provide parents with information about the health effects of sugary drinks. Roberto and colleagues find that such warning labels may reduce parents’ intent to purchase sugary drinks.
Higher retail prices of sugar-sweetened beverages 3 months after implementation of an excise tax in Berkeley, California
Falbe et al. Am J Public Health. 2015;105:2194–2201.
In March 2015, Berkeley, CA became the first locality in the nation to implement a 1-cent-perounce excise tax on sugary drinks. In order for such a tax to reduce consumption, a substantial portion of the tax must be passed on to the consumer. Falbe and colleagues present evidence that Berkeley’s sugary drink tax is passed through to the customer via higher shelf prices for sugary drinks
Three interventions that reduce childhood obesity are projected to save more than they cost to implement
Gortmaker et al. Am J Prev Med. 2015;49(1):102–111.
Advocates need data and evidence to choose among several strategies for reducing childhood obesity. Gortmaker and colleagues review the cost effectiveness of seven childhood obesity prevention interventions when applied to the US population.
They find that a sugary drink tax is one of three cost-effective interventions.