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The obesity epidemic and sugar-sweetened beverages: a taxing time

Stephen Colagiuri
Med J Aust 2017; 206 (3): . || doi: 10.5694/mja16.00825
Published online: 20 February 2017

Government action is essential to improve diet

Obesity is a major and costly public health epidemic, and an Australian national health priority that requires urgent action. While obesity is a complex condition with many contributing factors, a relative excessive kilojoule intake is a major driver of weight gain. Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) contribute to this excess energy intake in children and adults, are linked with obesity, diabetes and dental caries, and are an increasing focus of public health attention.


  • Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition and Exercise, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW



Competing interests:

No relevant disclosures.

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