What will be the impact of unhealthy food taxes on UAE consumers?



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UAE doctors praised the Cabinet's recent decision to increase consumption taxes on unhealthy products. They said the movement highlights the effects of excessive consumption of sugars and all forms of smoking.

As of January 1st of next year, a 50% tax will be imposed on products containing added sugar and sweeteners, that it is a beverage, alcoholic beverages. 39, a liquid, powders or any product that can be transformed into a beverage.

A 100% excise tax will be imposed on electronic smoking devices, whether they contain nicotine or tobacco.

Doctors hope to remind them to choose healthier options as residents pay higher prices than non-carbonated drinks containing a lot of sugar.

Excessive consumption of sugary drinks increases the likelihood of being overweight and obesity is a major cause of some cancers, doctors said.

Dr. Sherian Tambi, an oncologist at NMC's specialty hospital in Abu Dhabi, said, "The recent study published in the British Medical Journal on the risks of cancer and sugary drinks is worrisome. The study was conducted on more than 100,000 people for five years.

"Obviously, obesity is a major risk factor for certain cancers such as breast, uterine and colon cancers," he said.

Dr. Tambi said that it was no doubt proven that a balanced diet and physical exercise could reduce the risk of cancer to some extent, according to Khaleej Times.

Dr. Vikram Hondia, an endocrinologist at Al Zahra Hospital in Dubai, said residents needed to understand that the supplement was "a small price to pay for the greater good of our society."

"A diabetic patient, a heart attack or a stroke can see the damage these diseases cause to their health – as well as the social, economic and financial burden that these conditions entail. Much of this problem can be attributed to the unhealthy lifestyle and bad choices we make.

On the other hand, a tax on electronic smoking devices gives health experts the opportunity to say that these substances can not be considered a "health option".

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