Against obesity, the World Bank recommends taxing certain foods

Text by: RFI Follow

The World Bank calls on poor and developing countries, where three-quarters of obese adults live, to tax foods that are too fatty, too sweet or too salty. Objective: fight against overweight. Because it has health consequences, but also because it affects the economy.

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Over the next 15 years, the costs of being overweight are expected to reach $ 7 trillion in developing countries alone, according to the World Bank. One of the expense items: the health system.

In Latin America , particularly affected by this phenomenon, Brazil spent less than $ 6 billion in 2010 to treat illnesses linked to overweight. In 2050, it could cost him more than 10 billion.

In addition to the expenses, there are shortfalls, because according to the World Bank, obesity reduces labor productivity for various reasons.

In order to fight this disease, which is one of the three main causes of death in the world, the World Bank does not only plead for fiscal measures. It also urges governments to develop prevention and education measures, such as food labeling. Investing in early childhood nutrition programs or deploying pedestrian and bicycle paths or playgrounds in schools are all recommended.

Investing today could save more than 8 million lives in the poorest countries and generate $ 350 billion in economic benefits by 2030.

► Read also: Health: childhood obesity explodes worldwide

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