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03-14-2009, 10:13 AM
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Lunacy's finest hour !
Doctors reject call to put tax on chocolate
Mar 12 2009 Daily Record.
A CONTROVERSIAL call for a tax on chocolate to curb obesity was narrowly rejected by doctors today.
Lanarkshire GP David Walker led calls for an increase in chocolate prices as a way of tackling weight-related conditions like diabetes.
But delegates at a British Medical Association (BMA) conference in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, today voted down the plan.
The motion was lost by two votes, the BMA said.
Dr Walker described chocolate as a "major player" in problem weight-gain and its associated conditions including high blood pressure and joint pain.
But food industry leaders said such a proposal would result only in lighter wallets, not smaller waists.
The Food and Drink Federation said the tax would be a "bureaucratic nightmare".
Spokesman Julian Hunt said: "Introducing regressive taxes on the foods that consumers love would result only in lighter wallets, not smaller waists - particularly as we already have to pay VAT on all our chocolate purchases.
"There is no evidence to suggest that such 'fat taxes' would actually work in reality.
"Indeed, when the BMA debated a similar motion in 2003 its members voted against such an idea on the grounds that such a taxation policy would have no effect on obesity, would hit lower income groups hardest and would be a bureaucratic nightmare."
Diabetes UK said the key to tackling the UK's obesity problem was information and education.
The health charity's Natasha Marsland said: "We don't believe that a 'chocolate tax' is the right approach to help diminish the number of people who are overweight or obese in the UK.
"Instead, better education and information are needed to help people make the right food choices.
"People should also be encouraged to increase their physical activity as a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes."
Dr Walker, who has a food and nutrition qualification, believes that chocolate is no longer classed as a special treat as it once was and is being consumed in unhealthy amounts.
He said people are often eating more than half a day's worth of calories when they polish off a bag of chocolates in front of the television after their evening meal.
The GP based at Airdrie Health Centre, said: "I am disappointed that the motion was not supported by the conference, however, I am pleased that it has stimulated debate on obesity and the worryingly high levels of diabetes in Scotland.
"A little of what you fancy may do you some good, but as nearly one in four people in Scotland are obese, lack of physical activity, an unhealthy diet and larger portion sizes are clearly taking their toll on the health of Scotland."
Around 85 medical professionals attended the BMA's annual conference of Scottish Local Medical Committees at the Beardmore Hotel.
Mar 12 2009 Daily Record.
A CONTROVERSIAL call for a tax on chocolate to curb obesity was narrowly rejected by doctors today.
Lanarkshire GP David Walker led calls for an increase in chocolate prices as a way of tackling weight-related conditions like diabetes.
But delegates at a British Medical Association (BMA) conference in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, today voted down the plan.
The motion was lost by two votes, the BMA said.
Dr Walker described chocolate as a "major player" in problem weight-gain and its associated conditions including high blood pressure and joint pain.
But food industry leaders said such a proposal would result only in lighter wallets, not smaller waists.
The Food and Drink Federation said the tax would be a "bureaucratic nightmare".
Spokesman Julian Hunt said: "Introducing regressive taxes on the foods that consumers love would result only in lighter wallets, not smaller waists - particularly as we already have to pay VAT on all our chocolate purchases.
"There is no evidence to suggest that such 'fat taxes' would actually work in reality.
"Indeed, when the BMA debated a similar motion in 2003 its members voted against such an idea on the grounds that such a taxation policy would have no effect on obesity, would hit lower income groups hardest and would be a bureaucratic nightmare."
Diabetes UK said the key to tackling the UK's obesity problem was information and education.
The health charity's Natasha Marsland said: "We don't believe that a 'chocolate tax' is the right approach to help diminish the number of people who are overweight or obese in the UK.
"Instead, better education and information are needed to help people make the right food choices.
"People should also be encouraged to increase their physical activity as a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes."
Dr Walker, who has a food and nutrition qualification, believes that chocolate is no longer classed as a special treat as it once was and is being consumed in unhealthy amounts.
He said people are often eating more than half a day's worth of calories when they polish off a bag of chocolates in front of the television after their evening meal.
The GP based at Airdrie Health Centre, said: "I am disappointed that the motion was not supported by the conference, however, I am pleased that it has stimulated debate on obesity and the worryingly high levels of diabetes in Scotland.
"A little of what you fancy may do you some good, but as nearly one in four people in Scotland are obese, lack of physical activity, an unhealthy diet and larger portion sizes are clearly taking their toll on the health of Scotland."
Around 85 medical professionals attended the BMA's annual conference of Scottish Local Medical Committees at the Beardmore Hotel.
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