#Sugartax

A new wave of research is upending long-held assumptions about sugar, revealing that consuming sugar in beverages—such as sodas, fruit juices, and energy drinks—may pose a significantly higher risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic illness compared to eating the same amount of sugar in solid foods. The findings, drawn from a major meta-analysis and recently published studies, highlight the unique dangers of “liquid sugar” and call for renewed scrutiny of sugary drink consumption, especially in countries like Thailand where sweetened drinks are a staple of daily life.

New research challenges the old view that all sugars are alike. It finds that consuming sugar in beverages—sodas, fruit juices, energy drinks—may raise the risk of type 2 diabetes more than eating the same amount of sugar in solid foods. This landmark meta-analysis and related studies highlight the dangers of “liquid sugar” and call for renewed focus on sugary drinks in Thailand, where such beverages are deeply woven into daily life.

A wave of cutting-edge scientific research has triggered global alarm bells over the dangers of sugar, with health experts comparing its addictiveness and health impact to those of nicotine and even cocaine. As new findings highlight the biochemical and psychological hold of sugar on the brain, Thailand is both a consumer and battleground, taking concrete policy steps to help curb this ‘sweet danger’ before it causes a wider epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and mental health disorders.

A wave of recent research shows sugar can trigger addiction-like brain responses and powerful cravings. Health experts compare its impact to substances such as nicotine, underscoring a growing concern about obesity, diabetes, and mental health. Thailand is responding with strategic policies aimed at reducing sugar intake and guiding healthier choices for families.

Sugar has become pervasive in modern diets. In the United States, more than 60% of food and beverage products contain added sugars, a pattern echoed in many Asian markets as processed foods expand. The average North American consumes about 17 teaspoons of added sugar daily, far above guidelines. In Thailand, studies indicate that a large portion of the population regularly consumes sugar-sweetened beverages, contributing to rising health risks.

Hidden sugars are more widespread than people realize. Although public campaigns exist, many consumers unknowingly ingest “free sugars” through everyday foods. Recent UK policy expanded the sugar tax to pre-packaged milkshakes and coffees with more than 5g of sugar per 100ml, aiming to curb undetected sugars in typical diets. For Thai families, this global development underscores the need to scrutinize what’s in plates and cups at home and on the go.

Despite growing public awareness and repeated government campaigns to reduce added sugar consumption, recent research indicates that people are still consuming far more “free sugars” than they realize—often due to hidden sugars lurking in everyday, seemingly healthy foods. This week, new policy action in the UK has broadened the so-called “sugar tax” to include pre-packaged milkshakes and coffees exceeding 5g of sugar per 100ml, a move aimed directly at curbing the widespread problem of undetected sugars in typical diets (The Times). For Thai families, who are increasingly exposed to Western-style processed foods and beverages, this global development shines a spotlight on the urgent need for local consumers to scrutinize what’s on their plates and in their cups.

Chile’s aggressive push to curb childhood junk-food consumption is shaping a global conversation on healthier diets for young people. By tightening marketing rules and front-of-pack labeling, Chile reports a notable drop in unhealthy snack purchases among children. Public health officials worldwide see this as a practical blueprint for addressing youth obesity.

The heart of Chile’s approach is simple and visible: large, black stop-sign warnings on foods high in sugar, salt, and fat; a ban on advertising unhealthy products to children; and restrictions on sales in schools. Since these measures began in 2016, families, teachers, and retailers have faced a clearer, more public health-oriented food environment. The World Health Organization has highlighted the urgency of reducing childhood overweight and obesity, noting a global rise that demands stronger action. In Thailand, about one in ten schoolchildren is overweight or obese, a trend mirrored by expanding fast-food availability and aggressive snack marketing.

Chile’s bold efforts to curb childhood junk food consumption have sparked international attention, prompting the question: if Chile can do it, why can’t the UK—or, indeed, Thailand? The South American nation’s sweeping package of regulations, focusing on marketing and labeling, has spurred a dramatic decline in unhealthy snack intake by children. This development has brought fresh hope to public health officials worldwide grappling with rising obesity rates among the youth.