Editorial: DHB ban sweetens healthy stance

In a perfect world every individual would take charge of his or her diet and get regular exercise. Photo / Thinkstock

Earlier this week, I considered whether there should be a tax on unhealthy foods.

I concluded that a tax on our saltiest, fattiest foods and cutting the price of fruit and vegetables would encourage people to choose healthy options.

Some disagree but it is clear, in my view, that some drastic action is required to tackle growing obesity rates in this country.

That's why it is good to see the Bay of Plenty District Health Board ban the sale of all sugar-sweetened beverages from their buildings, including Tauranga and Whakatane Hospitals.

The Ministry of Health instructed all health boards to stop sales of sugar-sweetened beverages to reduce obesity.

Thirty-one per cent of New Zealand adults are obese - the third highest rate in the developed world - and 11 per cent of children.

Local dentists also say it sends a strong message about the impact sugary drinks have on children's teeth.

Lead dentist at Lumino The Willows, Paul Blears, says the move is a step in the right direction.

His practice sometimes deals with children coming in with 10 to 12 cavities each "and it's all down to the stuff they are drinking".

Of course, this move alone will not solve the country's obesity problem.

It's a good first step and ensures that health authorities are making a stand on the issue.

A Ministry of Health adviser says it is important health boards have a leadership role in these healthy food policies. They have certainly achieved that.

Hopefully, the stance taken by the Ministry of Health will add more fuel to the debate over healthy eating.

In a perfect world, every individual would take charge of their diet and get regular exercise.

However, if one-third of adults in this country are obese then that points to a wider systemic problem.