NIN mulls ‘sugar tax’ on foods to fight obesity

Hyderabad: While India already has one of the highest taxes on sugary aerated drinks globally, the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad is planning to recommend a ‘sugar tax' to the govt in the wake of rising obesity in India. Currently, sugary foods have 18% GST and carbonated sugary drinks attract 28%, which might go beyond 30% if a sugar tax is imposed. In Dec 2024, the group of ministers on GST rate rationalisation had also proposed increasing the tax on aerated beverages to 35% from 28%. The sugar tax could be kind of a surcharge on sweet food products to discourage people from consuming them. NIN experts believe it may help reduce the burden of type 2 diabetes and other cardiometabolic diseases. The scientists say India grapples with a unique "thin fat" phenomenon. Also known as skinny fat or metabolically obese normal weight (MONW), it is a condition where the person has a high percentage of body fat but normal body weight."Studies have found that South Asians present a peculiar case where individuals may have normal body mass index (BMI) but carry disproportionately high body fat, especially around the midriff and the stomach area. This can make them particularly vulnerable to cardiometabolic risks," explained an expert.Even though the World Health Organisation (WHO) reduced its recommended daily sugar intake to 25 grams, down from the previous 50 grams, experts noted that current consumption patterns in India far exceed these guidelines. "The proliferation of ultra-processed foods, engineered to create a blissful consumption experience through careful manipulation of taste, texture, and sensory experience, makes it particularly challenging for consumers to make healthy choices," added the expert.The institute is particularly concerned about adolescent dietary habits. "We're planning to develop specialised food environments where teenagers can access healthier alternatives alongside conventional snacks. The goal is to normalise healthy eating patterns during formative years."The institute also aims to address the manipulation of consumer behaviour through store layouts. "Choice architecture, which is the practice of influencing people's decisions by structuring the way options are presented in retail spaces, is currently designed to push unhealthy options. Consumers can only purchase what they see, and current display practices overwhelmingly favour processed foods." The New FrameworkA recent study by Dr Anoop Misra, a member of the Lancet Obesity Commission, revised the definition of obesity for Asian Indians, which shall now include the circumference of the waist, ratio of waist to height, comorbid diseases along with any symptoms related to day-to-day activities alongside body mass index (BMI). The new framework also establishes two stages of obesity.Stage 1 obesity: Individuals with a BMI over 23 kg/m2 without visible effects on organ functions or daily activities.Stage 2 obesity: An advanced state with mandatory BMI over 23 kg/m2 and at least one of the following: excess waist circumference or waist-to-height ratio. Stage 2 is characterised by general as well as abdominal obesity impacting both physical and organ functions, resulting in functional limitations during day-to-day activities and contributing to co-morbid diseases.NIN'S DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS (2024)A healthy meal requires:- Generous amounts of vegetables- Adequate whole grains and pulses/beans- Modest portions of nuts/seeds- Selection of fruits- Plain fermented yogurt/curd- Free of added sugars or contains very minimal amounts- Seasoned with minimal oil/fats/salt Choose better:- Restrict meal frequency to 2-3 times a day- Avoid ultra-processed foods (UPFs)- Avoid foods high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS)- Avoid sugar or restrict to 20g to 25g per day (adults)- Not snacking in between