It has recently been announced that Singapore will become the first country worldwide to ban adverts for high-sugar drinks. This includes a variety of beverages, including soft drinks, fruit juices and instant coffee. The ban has arrived as a way to tackle the ever-growing obesity crisis in Singapore; a similar problem is also ongoing in the UK.
At first glance, I believe this is an excellent approach to tackling the crisis. The removal of ads will stop the glamorous representation of these high sugar drinks as something that should be regularly consumed. Adults and children alike are exposed to dozens of these adverts every day, whether that be on billboards, TV or online.
wouldn’t it be better if we were all educated on the quantity of these high sugar items rather than stripping us of the treats we love?
However, on further investigation, this may not be the best approach to the problem. I think the main way of tackling this issue should be education and awareness. The cut down on sugary drinks puts limitations on what people enjoy for pleasure. People need to understand that these items are a luxury, and not something to be consumed regularly. If drank in moderation, these sugary drinks can be a treat as part of a healthy balanced diet, and everyone needs a treat once in a while! Where will this end?
Cadbury have just released a 30% less sugar bar of Dairy Milk. Whilst I understand the reasoning, wouldn’t it be better if we were all educated on the quantity of these high sugar items rather than stripping us of the treats we love?
shouldn’t I be allowed my hungover sprite every-once-in-a-while?
We need to all follow healthier diets to stop this obesity crisis and this change needs to be taken seriously. Obesity is a huge strain on our health services, when in reality, our diet is ultimately in our own hands. However, there is a possibility that banning these adverts may lead to the end of high sugar drink production – and shouldn’t I be allowed my hungover sprite every-once-in-a-while? Why should other people’s abuse of these products limit my enjoyment?
Megan Bowie
Featured image courtesy of missbossy via Flickr. Image license found here.
Article image courtesy of Susan Murtaugh via Flickr. Image license found here.
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